Exports this morning were nearly 2 million metric tons for old and new crop combined which was well above analyst estimates and reinforced the sense that this market remains solidly underpinned by strong consumer demand. There is a general sense that corn's feed demand component could be in for a change from last month's release, given the gaping chasm between wheat and corn prices over the past month or so that some thin may have prodded feedlot managers to opt for greater corn usage at...

Based on information currently available, USDA animal health experts believe the illness is likely caused by viruses already known to exist in the United States, enterovirus or circovirus, which are not foreign animal diseases. Another truckload of approximately 169 swine were collocated with the sick swine in a holding area at the Minnesota facility. Preliminary test results, the last of which were received this morning, are negative for foreign animal diseases of concern. The swine...

A closer look at those 'made in' labels By Roman Zakaluzny, Ottawa Business Journal Staff Wed, Jul 4, 2007 3:00 PM EST The rash of defective, poisonous and questionable products finding their way to North American store shelves from China in recent weeks is making at least some people question whether buying cheap is necessarily the best way to go. A closer look at those 'made in' labels By Roman Zakaluzny, Ottawa Business Journal Staff Wed, Jul 4, 2007 3:00 PM EST The rash of defective,...

But at Marina Kuzmenko's apartment, the hog is a faithful friend that bows its head in greeting and prefers sleeping in its owner's bed. Only articles from today's edition are available for free on our web site. This is only an excerpt from the full story. The entire article is approximately 725 words in length. Market Matters Steel and Power Lead the Sochi Gold Rush As crowds in Sochi reveled in the city's Olympic win, traders in Moscow huddled to figure out how to cash in on it,...

In addition to porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), other diseases such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), salmonella and influenza are usually part of any PCVAD outbreak, said John Kolb, senior manager for swine biologicals with Boehringer Ingelheim. In addition to porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), other diseases such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), salmonella and influenza are usually part of any PCVAD outbreak, said John Kolb, senior manager...

Before identifying those issues for 2008, board members will receive input from an outside panel of industry and non-industry experts that has been helping the board identify emerging issues in the pork industry. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, technology, swine health and pork safety. Those committees advise the board on specific program initiatives...

The new permit allows the plant to slaughter 9.5 million hogs annually, up from the slightly less than 8.5 million that it now slaughters. Smithfield can't increase production until it installs equipment to reduce the amount of nitrogen in the water it discharges into the Cape Fear River. He had not seen details of the permit because he was traveling. It's allowed to discharge a maximum of 3 million gallons of water per day into the river. The state Division of Water Quality on Thursday...

RALEIGH Democratic presidential prospect John Edwards is throwing his weight behind labor activists who are trying to pressure the worlds largest hog slaughterhouse into recognizing a union without an employee vote. Smithfield executives have said they would support a secret-ballot vote, but union leaders argue the company wont allow a fair election. He also joined in labors call for card-check neutrality, which would allow labor groups to certify their standing as soon as they get the...

The Canadian hog and pork industry has a vital interest in improved export access and not falling behind other countries that have been aggressively pursuing regional trade agreements, such as the US and Chile, Schlegel said. and other exporters in important foreign markets, Schlegel warned in a recent news release. These trade agreements are crucial in opening up further market access opportunities for Canada, Schlegel said. While these deals are definitely a step in the right direction,...