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
Black Sea Peace Prospects Influence Global Grain Prices Monday, September 7, 2026 Grain and oilseed markets remained closely tied to geopolitical developments, weather conditions and export expectations during the week ending September 4, 2026. Corn futures were largely unchanged, while soybeans posted a new contract closing high and soybean meal also strengthened.... Read this article online
Canada invests $3.1M in swine health surveillance Monday, September 7, 2026 Recognizing that infectious disease is one of the major risks to swine production, the Government of Canada is helping industry further develop the tools needed to safeguard animal health, strengthen sector resilience, and support future growth. Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath... Read this article online
Heads Up Plant Protectants Unveils New Brand Identity Friday, September 4, 2026 Saskatchewan-based Heads-Up Plant Protectants unveiled a refreshed brand identity at the 2026 Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, introducing a new logo, updated visual design, revised messaging, and a redesigned website. The rebrand reflects the company’s continued focus on supporting... Read this article online
Canada Expands Livestock Tax Relief for Producers Friday, September 4, 2026 Canadian livestock producers continue to face growing challenges as extreme weather events affect forage supplies and day-to-day farm operations. Drought, flooding, and excess moisture can reduce feed availability, making it difficult for ranchers tomaintainhealthy breeding herds and sustain... Read this article online
Saskatchewan Expands AgriStability Support for Farmers Friday, September 4, 2026 Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit have announced changes to the 2026 AgriStability Program to provide additional support for producers affected by excess moisture and localized flooding across Saskatchewan. The... Read this article online