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Articles by Ryan McCarthy
Perdue Farms discusses animal care, sustainability at summit
SALISBURY, MD. — Perdue Farms recently held its 11th Annual Animal Care and Sustainability Summit, which brought together 100 farmers, retail and foodservice customers, animal welfare advocates, scientists, sustainability leaders, and other food and agriculture stakeholders. The company added it was the first time it brought together the two topics into one program.
Holly Poultry opens production plant
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD. — Further poultry processor Holly Poultry opened a new 80,000-square-foot production facility in Anne Arundel County, Md. The move will expand the company’s retail production capacity to support existing customers, expand its distribution and grow its Easy Street and One Fine Chicken brands.
Skylark Meats to shutter Nebraska plant
OMAHA, NEB. — American Foods Group (AFG) said it will close its 215,000-square-foot Skylark Meats facility in Omaha on Aug. 25. The facility employs 218 people. “This was a difficult decision, and we do not take it lightly,” said David Jagodzinske, president and chief operating officer for AFG. “Our first priority is our Skylark team members, their families, and the community. We are committed to supporting each employee through this transition. Between now and Aug.
Yum! Brands set to sell Pizza Hut business
LOUISVILLE, KY. — Yum! Brands Inc. announced on June 16 it will sell Pizza Hut and split it into two entities for $2.7 billion. The quick-service restaurant group confirmed that LongRange Capital would acquire Pizza Hut for $1.5 billion, excluding the mainland China business. Pizza Hut China would be sold to Yum China Holdings Inc., for around $1.2 billion.
JBS to shutter beef facility in Pennsylvania
GREELEY, COLO. — JBS USA said it will close its beef production facility in Souderton, Pa., and its Empire Packing plant, a value-added operation in Memphis, Tenn. “These decisions are never easy because they directly affect our team members and the communities where we operate,” said Wesley Batista Filho, chief executive officer of JBS USA. “We are deeply grateful to the team members at these facilities for their efforts and contributions over many years.
Tyson Foods names new COO
SPRINGDALE, ARK. — Tyson Foods Inc. has promoted Wes Morris to chief operating officer. He will succeed Devin Cole, who is retiring on June 15. The role includes overseeing the company’s various business segments, including Chicken, Beef, Pork, Prepared Foods, and International. Morris previously was group president of poultry, starting in January 2023.
McDonald’s outlines new strategic course
CHICAGO — McDonald’s Corp. recently confirmed it would be launching a new corporate strategy called McDonald’s Next to update its system for franchisees and customers. The quick-service restaurant chain sent out a message to the McDonald’s system addressing the upcoming steps in menu innovation and in-store technology in its latest phase. “The competitive landscape is changing and with it, customers’ expectations,” Chris Kempczinski wrote in a memo.
Weaver Meats expands in Ohio
PAINESVILLE, OHIO — Family-owned meat processor Weaver Meats recently confirmed it finished an 18,500-square-foot expansion of its plant in Painesville. The business, which now has more than 40,000 square feet of production space, is working to find additional co-packing and private label manufacturing of meat snacks, including jerky and snack sticks. Weaver Meats began in 1981, with brothers Mike and Dave Weaver operating a butcher shop under the same format for 15 years.
Consumers recalibrating meat purchasing patterns
KANSAS CITY — During the Power of Meat presentation at the 2026 Annual Meat Conference, recalibration was a fitting adjective used to describe the purchasing behavior of today’s retail meat customers. Among the nearly 1,700 consumers surveyed for the report, many referenced how inflation has made it a challenge to put meat and poultry on their family’s plates.
Wayne-Sanderson Farms elevates two to executive posts
OAKWOOD, GA. — Wayne-Sanderson Farms, the third-largest poultry producer in the United States, has promoted Aaron Leach to chief commercial and supply chain officer for the company and Michael Crump to chief operations officer. Both executives will continue to report to Kevin McDaniel, president and chief executive officer for Wayne-Sanderson.
Triumph Foods expanding in Missouri
ST. JOSEPH, MO. — The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and Triumph Foods LLC confirmed a new $30 million expansion of the existing pork processing plant in Missouri. The move will expand the company’s current cold storage and shipping capacity, helping support increased production. The expansion by Triumph also will include the installation of new equipment, machinery and personal property related to the project.
Tyson Foods to close prepared foods facility
ROME, GA. — Tyson Foods Inc. plans to cease operations at a prepared foods facility in Rome, Ga. “The facility has operated under a unique single-customer model, but recent changes have made continued operations at the site no longer viable,” Tyson Foods said. “We recognize the impact this has on our team members and the Rome community.
Tyson to halt operations at Nature Valley plant
ROME, GA. — Tyson Foods Inc. plans to cease operations at a prepared foods facility in Rome, Ga. “The facility has operated under a unique single-customer model, but recent changes have made continued operations at the site no longer viable,” Tyson Foods said. “We recognize the impact this has on our team members and the Rome community.
Hormel to sell whole-bird turkey business
AUSTIN, MINN. — Hormel Foods Corp. has agreed to sell its whole-bird turkey business to Life-Science Innovations (LSI), a move Hormel’s top executive said will reduce the company’s exposure “to more volatile, commodity-driven businesses.” Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Smithfield to shutter sausage plant
SPRINGFIELD, MASS. — Smithfield Foods Inc. recently confirmed it will be closing its dry sausage facility in Springfield, Mass., with operations expected to conclude in August. A Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice from the MassHire Department of Career Services said 190 employees will be laid off between April 10 and Sept. 11, 2026.
Palm Beach County voter registration drive happening Friday
A voter registration drive in collaboration with the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office is scheduled for this Friday to encourage people to register to vote, with municipal elections about 40 days away. Coverage will begin at 9 a.m., as WPBF reporter Nikita Ramos will provide insights from inside the Supervisor of Elections Office in Palm Beach County, offering all the necessary information for voter registration.
Western Smokehouse buys Junior’s Smokehouse
GALESBURG, ILL. — Meat snack company Western Smokehouse Partners has unveiled plans to acquire Junior’s Smokehouse, which is known for its hand-crafted jerky and meat products. The El Campo, Texas-based company has more than 40 years of producing premium-quality craft meats, smokehouse heritage and a strong workforce.
Hormel onboards new CMO
AUSTIN, MINN. — Hormel Foods Corp. has named Jason Levine to the newly created role of enterprise-wide chief marketing officer. Levine has more than 20 years of experience in consumer-packaged goods for global brands and emerging companies. Levine joins Hormel Foods from PIM Brands, where he was CMO. Prior to PIM he was strategic adviser for TOOM Garlic Dips.
Hormel hires new CMO
AUSTIN, MINN. — Hormel Foods Corp. has named Jason Levine to the newly created role of enterprise-wide chief marketing officer. Levine has more than 20 years of experience in consumer-packaged goods for global brands and emerging companies. Levine joins Hormel Foods from PIM Brands, where he was CMO. Prior to PIM he was strategic adviser for TOOM Garlic Dips.
Cargill confirms investment in beef operations in Colorado
BOSTON — In the wake of recent news about Tyson Foods closing one beef plant and reducing capacity at another, Cargill confirmed the completion of a renovation at its beef processing facility in Colorado. “We feel confident we have the right footprint to support the market today and for the future and will continue operating our primary North America beef processing plants,” a Cargill spokesperson said.
Ryan McCarthy
The company will have products with the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles.
Tyson Foods agrees to preliminary pork settlement
MINNEAPOLIS — A preliminary class action settlement was disclosed on Oct. 1, stating that Tyson Foods would agree to pay $85 million to settle a lawsuit with consumer indirect purchaser plaintiffs who alleged that the company conspired to inflate pork prices. The deal by Tyson would surpass the previous largest pork settlement, which was $75 million by Smithfield Foods in antitrust litigation related to pork price fixing matters in 2022. Reuters first reported the news.
Hormel Foods brings clarity to global impact efforts
AUSTIN, MINN. — Hormel Foods Corp. is seeking to bring clarity to its global impact efforts through the lens of Good Feeds Us All, the company’s next-generation global impact framework. Progress within the framework was discussed as part of the company’s recently released 19th annual Global Impact Report. “Good Feeds Us All evolved naturally and purposefully from our earlier 20 By 30 Challenge,” said Katie Clark, senior vice president and chief communications officer at Hormel Foods.
Perdue Farms unveils layoffs at Indiana turkey processing plant
WASHINGTON, IND. — Almost 300 workers were expected to be laid off by Perdue Farms in October at its Washington, Ind., facility, according to a recent WARN Notice. “All affected employees have been notified of their last work dates and separation dates and that their separation from employment will be permanent,” said Colby Rigg, director of operations at Perdue Foods LLC, in the WARN notice. “Affected employees are expected to have a last work date of Oct.
Tyson Foods elevates Cole to COO
SPRINGDALE, ARK. — Tyson Foods Inc. has named Devin Cole chief operating officer. In his new position he will oversee the company’s business segments, including Poultry, Beef, Pork, Prepared Foods and International. Cole will still report to Donnie King, president and chief executive officer of Tyson. “We have strong momentum as we head into our new fiscal year, and we remain committed to executing our long-term strategy and operating the company guided by our culture and core values,” King said.
Case Farms buys Foster Farms poultry complex
MORGANTON, NC. — Poultry processor Case Farms has acquired the Farmerville, La., poultry complex of Foster Farms. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Fortifi Food Processing Solutions to acquire Provisur
WOODLAND, TEXAS — Fortifi Food Processing Solutions is acquiring Provisur Technologies, a manufacturer of industrial food processing equipment that is based in Chicago. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. The acquisition reflects Fortifi’s broader strategy to offer complete full-line solutions that include automation, robotics and software capabilities, according to the company.
JBS to acquire, expand production facility
GREELEY, COLO. — JBS USA has unveiled plans to acquire a production facility in Ankeny, Iowa, making it the largest ready-to-eat bacon and ready-to-eat sausage facilities in the country, including its investment of $100 million in prepared foods production. The 186,000-square-foot facility was previously owned and operated by grocery chain Hy-Vee.
Johnsonsville closes Illinois meat plant
MOMENCE, ILL. — Momence Packing, owned by Johnsonville LLC, has closed its facility in Momence, resulting in the layoff of 274 employees. A Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) notice from the state of Illinois confirmed that it received notification of the plant closure on June 2. Employees from Momence are expected to receive pay and benefits for 60 days after the plant closing, according to Johnsonville.
Opinião | O Exército dos EUA está finalmente voltando a atenção para ameaças futuras
No último dia de abril, o secretário de Defesa, Pete Hegseth, assinou um memorando que tem o potencial de desencadear mudanças profundas no Exército. Após décadas de organização, treinamento e equipamento com foco principalmente em operações na Europa e no Oriente Médio, o Exército está voltando sua atenção para dissuadir uma agressão chinesa no Pacífico, assim como à segurança de fronteira e à defesa antimísseis. As mudanças, recomendadas pelo comando do Exército, são abrangentes.
New Primal expands meat snack lineup
CHARLESTON, SC. — Meat snack company New Primal announced the launch of its latest item, called the Rotisserie-Seasoned Chicken Sticks. The product features the well-known rotisserie chicken savory profile along with garlic, white and black pepper, onion and parsley. Each stick includes 10 grams of protein, 60 calories and all-natural chicken. “Our customers have been asking for more meat snack options made with chicken.
Tyson Foods’ CEO sees ‘more opportunity to grow’
NEW YORK — Tyson Foods Inc. is seeking to expand its value-added products portfolio, one of several efforts underway at the Springdale, Ark.-based company to grow the business, executives said during the BMO Global Farm to Market Conference on May 14. Donnie King, chief executive officer for Tyson, said the company is at around $680 million in adjusted operating income for the first half of the year, up from $543 million the year before.
McDonald’s relaunches chicken strips
CHICAGO — McDonald’s Corp., announced it would launch its McCrispy Strips and Creamy Chili Dip on May 5 to restaurants nationwide. The quick-service chain said this would be the first permanent menu item added since 2021 in the United States. The McCrispy strips will feature 100% white meat, breading and black pepper flavor. Customers can order the chicken strips in three or four-piece servings.
Maximus Meats to build new facility
SUMMERDALE, ALA. — Meat processor Maximus Meats recently unveiled plans to build a plant in Summerdale, Ala. The company said the project cost is $11 million and will create more than 60 jobs. The new 29,000-square-foot facility will support wholesale beef and pork products and include a retail store where customers can purchase items.
USDA unveils next steps in bird flu battle
WASHINGTON — Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins rolled out the US Department of Agriculture’s $1 billion plan to lessen the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak and deal with the major increases in egg prices around the United States.
Tyson Foods elevates two executives
SPRINGDALE, ARK. — Tyson Foods Inc. has promoted two executives to expanded roles across its meat business. Devin Cole has been named group president of poultry, where he will succeed Wes Morris, who plans to retire early next year. Morris will assist with the transition to Cole throughout 2025. Cole joined Tyson in August 2024 as president of the international business segment. The company said he would continue to oversee the global business unit.
KFC US leaving Louisville for Texas
LOUISVILLE, KY. — Yum! Brands confirmed on Feb. 18 that it plans to relocate the KFC US corporate offices to Plano, Texas, from its current location in Louisville, Ky. The company said approximately 100 KFC US corporate roles will move in the next six months. The KFC and Pizza Hut global teams from Yum! Brands already are based in Plano, and the Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill teams are located in Irvine, Calif.
Beef trends – Riding out the cycle
KANSAS CITY — Throughout 2024, US beef cattle producers worked to determine how herd rebuilding will affect the beef during the next few years. Charlotte Talbott, animal agriculture sustainability analyst at RaboResearch, a part of Rabobank, recently detailed strategies and management decisions for stakeholders that may impact the industry across the country.
Yum! Brands, Burger King pull onions from some restaurants
KANSAS CITY — Yum! Brands Inc. said Oct. 24 that it was removing onions from some Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC restaurants after slivered onions were linked to an E. coli outbreak associated with McDonald’s Corp. In an Oct. 25 update, the Food and Drug Administration said it has yet to confirm onions are the source of the outbreak but is collecting samples for analysis.
Yum! Brands, Burger King pull onions as E. coli investigation continues
KANSAS CITY — Yum! Brands Inc. said Oct. 24 that it was removing onions from some Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC restaurants after slivered onions were linked to an E. coli outbreak associated with McDonald’s Corp. In an Oct. 25 update, the Food and Drug Administration said it has yet to confirm onions are the source of the outbreak but is collecting samples for analysis.
Forever Cheese to add assets of Virginia Packing
NEW YORK — Forever Cheese, an importer of cheese, cured meat and other specialty foods, has agreed to acquire the assets of Virginia Packing LLC located in Toano, Va. Virginia Packing works on cured meat slicing, packing and logistic services for premium domestic and international brands. Forever Cheese added that the two companies share a commitment to quality and have longstanding relationships with customer and supplier partners.
Tyson Foods sticking to its beef strategy
BOSTON — Capacity reduction and the state of the company’s pork business were among the key topics addressed by Tyson Foods, Inc. executives during the Springdale, Ark.-based company’s presentation at the Barclays Global Consumer Staples Conference last week. Brady Stewart, president of the beef and pork segment and chief supply officer for Tyson Foods, was asked if the company would consider any beef plant closures with recent capacity reductions.
Tyson Foods promotes Calaway to CFO
SPRINGDALE, ARK. — Tyson Foods Inc. has promoted Curt Calaway to chief financial officer. He has been serving as the interim CFO since June. The news comes after John R. Tyson, the previous CFO, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Fayetteville, Ark., on June 13. The company confirmed that John R. Tyson remains with the company but is currently on health-related leave. John R. Tyson is a great-grandson of the company’s founder and son of its current chairman.
Tyson Foods names new leader for International unit
SPRINGDALE, ARK. — Tyson Foods, Inc. has named Devin Cole president of the company’s International business segment. He succeeds Amy Tu, who has retired. In addition to president of International, Cole is president of Tyson’s Global McDonald’s business unit, where he is responsible for leading the company’s relationship with McDonald’s. This will be Cole’s second stint at Tyson. He previously worked as group president and later chief commercial officer from 1995 to 2014.
Cargill to cut 200 tech positions
MINNEAPOLIS — Cargill said it will be laying off approximately 200 of the company’s technology positions around the world. “To deliver for our customers and the future of food and ag, we are building new digital technology and data capabilities,” a company spokesperson said. “This means eliminating some roles across several locations that no longer support our technology needs or future growth strategy.
Cargill eliminating tech jobs
MINNEAPOLIS — Cargill said it will be laying off approximately 200 of the company’s technology positions around the world. “To deliver for our customers and the future of food and ag, we are building new digital technology and data capabilities,” a company spokesperson said. “This means eliminating some roles across several locations that no longer support our technology needs or future growth strategy.
Sausage maker to expand headquarters
KODAK, TENN. — Swaggerty’s Farm, a family-owned and operated sausage producer, plans to add 50,000 square feet to its headquarters in Kodak. The new addition will aid an increase in efficiency and productivity, double output capacity and help decrease labor hours. The company plans to start construction by the summer of 2024 and complete the expansion by the end of 2025.
Why Did Muzan Kill Tanjiro's Family?
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba started off the way any great story does: with the brutal slaughter of an entire family comprised mostly of children. When Tanjiro Kamado returned home to find most of his family dead and his sister Nezuko turned into a demon, he made it his life's mission to track down the demon responsible.
Handtmann USA elevates McGady to president
BIBERACH, GERMANY – Patrick McGady has been promoted to president of Handtmann USA, effective April 1. He will succeed Tom Kittle, who led the company for over 14 years and will retire from his position on March 31. During more than 18 years at Handtmann, Mr. McGady has worked in various roles, including senior sales and marketing, gaining experience in inside and field sales, sales management, corporate management and international marketing.
Palermo’s adding frozen pizza plant
MILWAUKEE — Frozen pizza manufacturer Palermo Villa Inc. is expanding its production to a new location in Jefferson, Wis. The company said the expansion would create more than 200 new jobs across the company that include salaried management positions, production associates and quality, maintenance, warehouse and sanitation positions. The facility in Jefferson previously was owned by Tyson Foods and ran under the name LD Foods until it closed in 2021.
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