Potato Growers Say Price-Fixing Charge is Half-Baked
A battle between grocers and potato growers has been silently hitting the pocketbooks of consumers.
agriculture
Chinese Firm Bids $4.7 Billion for Virginia's Smithfield Foods
Chinese meat processor Shuanghui International has agreed to buy Smithfield Foods for about $4.72 billion in a deal that will take the world's biggest pork producer private.
Rising Consumer Demand Boosts Organic Industry Clout
The organic food industry is gaining clout on Capitol Hill, but it isn't going over well with everyone in Congress.
Congress Divided Over Federal Food-Stamp Program
House and Senate committees have laid the groundwork this week for reducing the size of the federal food stamp program, approving farm bills that would shrink food aid.
Deere Posts Higher Earnings, but Warns of Challenges
Deere reported higher quarterly earnings Wednesday and forecast a record profit for the full year, but warned that it faces challenges.
Monsanto Wins GMO Seed Patent Fight at Supreme Court
The Supreme Court said an Indiana farmer violated Monsanto patents on soybean seeds that are resistant to its weed-killer by growing additional crops without buying new beans.
DuPont Profit Rises on Strong Demand for Chemicals, Seeds
DuPont's quarterly profit beat analyst estimates as higher sales of seeds and agriculture chemicals offset weak demand for the once-lucrative titanium dioxide paint pigment.
U.S. Begins New Program to Track Farm Animals
The federal government launches a new livestock identification program to help agriculture officials to quickly track livestock in cases of disease.
Monsanto Raises Profit Forecast on Strong Corn Sales
Monsanto raised its full-year profit forecast on Wednesday after reporting a better-than-expected second quarter driven by strength in its global corn business.
Welcome To Mato Grosso, The Giant Swath Of Land That's Feeding The Entire World
Since World War II, the U.S. has been hailed as the world's breadbasket, pumping grains and meat from its fertile heartland out to the world. But another country is snatching that mantle away: Brazil.
Cash-Strapped Farmers Feed Candy to Cows
Cattle farmers struggling with record corn prices are feeding their cows chocolate bars, gummy worms, ice cream sprinkles, marshmallows, bits of hard candy and even powdered hot chocolate mix.
Why Trefis Thinks DuPont Stock Is Undervalued
DuPont is a major player in the high-performance materials, chemicals, coatings and agricultural products businesses -- all of which are likely to improve as the global economy recovers. It's also investing heavily in emerging markets such as China, which will give it new engines for growth.
Why You'll Be Paying More for the Summer Barbecue
That cherished American tradition -- summer grilling -- is about to get pricier. Rising grain prices are affecting livestock feed, which in turn affects meat production. And surging overseas demand for both U.S grains and meat are adding to the equation.
Japan Disaster Creates Possible Windfall for U.S. Meat Exporters
Japan's domestic food supply faces plenty of threats, including nuclear radiation, a crippled distribution infrastructure and a shaky electric grid. But there's some good news for U.S. suppliers: A shortage of domestic beef and pork could increase the market for imported meat.
Stink Bugs: A Most Vile Scourge, for Farmers and Homeowners
First spotted in Pennsylvania in 1998, the brown marmorated stink bug has marched far and wide, decimating crops wherever it shows up. It tends to overwinter in cozy American homes -- and it teaches a harsh olfactory lesson to anyone foolish enough to crush a stink bug.
Syngenta: An Agribusiness Stock That's Flourishing
Once unknown to most U.S. investors, Syngenta has blossomed as one of the world's leading agribusiness companies, with a hefty 19% global share in the multibillion-dollar crop-protection market and 11% in seed production. Its stock is near a record high.
For U.S. Beef Exports, 2010 Was Fat and Happy
The American beef market has rebounded since the dark days of 2003, when a report of "mad cow disease" virtually shut down U.S. beef and pork exports. Now, thanks to strong demand from Asia, industry officials say 2010 was the best year ever for U.S. beef exports.
Could Yak Soon Become the New Buffalo?
Native to the Himalaya and still exotic in North America, yaks have potential. They're environmentally sound, relatively easy to raise, have cashmere-like wool and lower-fat meat than beef. They're still a niche -- but gaining notice.
How to Profit From Soaring Food Demand
If you've been to a supermarket lately, you've probably noticed that food prices are soaring. And that spells an opportunity for investors. Asset-management expert John Stephenson offers tips for small investors aiming to tap into the agricultural market.
The Trade Deal With Korea Will Beef Up U.S. Meat Exports
Since the mad cow scare of 2003, South Korea has been a tough market for U.S. beef: The country first banned it, then severely limited imports. But a pending new trade agreement could mark the resumption of normal trade and the start of a more prosperous era for American beef exports.
Medusahead: An Inedible Grass Threatens Western Rangeland
Spreading at 12% a year across 17 Western state, this invasive species -- with its high silica content and spiky heads and seeds that cut animals' mouths -- forces livestock to go elsewhere to feed. That can raise costs for ranchers and result in skinnier cattle.