U.S. sow gestation stalls under attack Sunday, April 1, 2012 The pressure to end the use of dry sow stalls is growing south of the border, and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is the vise. In early February, the Austin Daily Herald in Minnesota reported that Jeff Ettinge, chief executive of Hormel Foods, announced at its annual general meeting plans to end use of sow gestation crates on its Arizona farms by next year and in Colorado and Wyoming by 2017. Ettinge was responding to a question from a member of the HSUS, which is a shareholder.At about the same time, the HSUS announced it was going after Wal-Mart suppliers Seaboard Foods and Prestige Farms. HSUS subsequently complained to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Federal Trade Commission that Seaboard and Prestige spread "grossly false and misleading statements" about its animal welfare practices."McDonald's Corporation announced it will require its U.S. pork suppliers to outline their plans to phase out use of sow gestation stalls by May. "McDonald's wants to see the end of sow confinement in gestation stalls in our supply chain," said a joint press release with HSUS.In addition, Bon Appetit Management, a nationwide food service operator, announced it would phase out pork products from stall-housed sows by 2015. BP Behind the Lines - April 2012 Pakistan capital inundated with wild boars
Assessing Hail Damage in Wheat, Barley, Oats and Corn Wednesday, July 8, 2026 Recent severe storms across Manitoba have left some producers facing damaged crops and uncertain yield prospects. Hail ranging from loonie-sized stones to golf ball- and baseball-sized impacts was reported in several agricultural regions over the past week, damaging cereals, canola... Read this article online
Cattle industry stakeholders asked to take Canfax survey Wednesday, July 8, 2026 A cattle industry service provider is asking stakeholders to weigh in on how it can improve. Canfax, the market analysis division of the Canadian Cattle Association, is conducting a survey asking participants to share what datapoints drive decisions on individual farms and the overall... Read this article online
Canadian Grain Commission Updates Grain Grading Rules for 2026-27 Crop Year Wednesday, July 8, 2026 The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) is introducing several important changes to grain grading procedures for the 2026-27 crop year, including updates affecting Canada Western Amber Durum, wheat and red lentils. The revisions, which take effect August 1, were developed following... Read this article online
Grain Markets Rebound as Key Crop Reports Surprise Traders Wednesday, July 8, 2026 On the weekly Farms.com Risk Management Ag Commodity Corner+ Podcast with experts Chief Commodity Strategist Moe Agostino and Commodity Strategist Abhinesh Gopal, the discussion focused on major agricultural developments affecting grain, oilseed, and fertilizer markets. The title of the July 3... Read this article online
Major Heat Ridge Builds as Record-Pace El Niño Raises New Weather Concerns Wednesday, July 8, 2026 The past few weeks have already been crazy for agriculture weather wise, with more to come. Nearly 2,000 severe wind reports were recorded across the United States over the past three days, with the most widespread impacts stretching from the central Plains through the Midwest and... Read this article online