Smithfield Foods Promotes Andrea Tucker to Plant Manager of its Tar Heel, NC Facility
Smithfield Foods, Inc. has promoted Andrea Tucker to plant manager of the company’s Tar Heel facility in North Carolina, effective April 4. The company’s largest facility, Smithfield’s Tar Heel plant is also the largest pork processing operation in the world.
Tucker, who has more than 20 years of experience with the company, will oversee the complex’s planning, organization, cost and continual improvements, focusing on employer of choice cultural enhancements and ensuring the location’s continued leadership in product quality, the company said in a release.
After joining Smithfield as an accountant more than two decades ago, Tucker became the company’s first female plant manager in 2019 when she was appointed to oversee its largest bacon processing facility in Wilson, N.C. Earlier that year, Tucker received a STEP Ahead Award from The Manufacturing Institute through a program honoring women leaders in manufacturing who make an impact through their advocacy, mentorship, engagement and leadership.
“I’m grateful Smithfield believes in me and for the opportunity to continue to give back to this company,” Tucker said in a release. “My journey to becoming a plant manager didn’t happen overnight. It’s my goal to uphold our culture at Smithfield where anyone can access the same opportunities I have had through hard work and dedication. Though I will miss my Wilson team, I’m excited for this next chapter in Tar Heel.”
Donovan Owens, Tar Heel plant manager since 2018, is being promoted to a new corporate role within Smithfield.
HKScan, Topigs Norsvin and Royal Agrifirm Group Announce Agreement with Yli-Simola Pig Farm
HKScan, Topigs Norsvin and Royal Agrifirm Group have signed an agreement to jointly set up a research and trial farm in Finland. Trial activities will take place on the Yli-Simola pig farm in Porlammi, where a barn meeting the latest animal welfare requirements will be completed in the coming months, Topigs said in a release.
In the trial partnership, HKScan, Topigs Norsvin andRoyal Agrifirm will join forces and share their latest knowledge on pork production. The practices will be tested at Antti and Anne Varjola’s Yli-Simola farm. The aim of this long-term cooperation is to develop best practices in pork production for future needs. The trial activities will focus on improving welfare of pigs, reducing environmental impact, increasing profitability and optimizing carcass quality.
The trial activities in the new unit will be launched once the unit’s production is at normal levels after start-up.
Paine Schwartz Completes Strategic Investment in Hendrix Genetics
Hendrix Genetics and Paine Schwartz Partners announced the completion of Paine Schwartz Food Chain Fund V’s strategic investment in Hendrix Genetics. With the transaction complete, Hendrix Genetics say they are poised to continue investing across its breeding programs, enhancing its technology and data capabilities, growing its global customer base and expanding into new markets.
“With the completion of this investment, we are beginning Hendrix Genetics’ next phase of growth and success,” Thijs Hendrix, co-founder and chairman of the supervisory board of Hendrix Genetics, said in a release. “We are pleased to officially welcome the teams from Paine Schwartz, Mitsui & Co., Rabo Investments and our other new partners and look forward to benefiting from their expertise and support. Together, we will build on our strong foundation and provide our genetics and breeding solutions to customers across the global food chain.”
Paine Schwartz and its affiliated co-investors, including Mitsui & Co. and Rabo Investments (the investment arm of Rabobank Group), now hold 50% ownership in Hendrix Genetics with co-founders, Thijs Hendrix and Antoon van den Berg, holding the remaining 50% ownership position in Hendrix Genetics.
Steve Patton is New BioZyme Area Sales Manager
Steve Patton, Frankfort, Ind., has joined the Sales Team at BioZyme Inc. As an Area Sales Manager (ASM), he will work to build relationships with new and existing customers and dealers throughout Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Patton is a previous BioZyme sale rep. However, most recently has been working for seedstock operations. He and his wife, Kelli, run a small herd of registered Angus and Simmental cows as well. They have two adult children, Kade and Karson, and still show cattle when time allows. Patton is attended and was a member of the University of Illinois livestock judging team but completed his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Purdue University.
In addition to his production livestock and BioZyme background, Patton also spent nearly 10 years in sales with BG Distributors in sales, where he not only sold but trained the customer. He is excited to be able to educate BioZyme customers and potential end-users about the value and options that exist in the product lines.
More from Farm Journal’s PORK:
Mosquito-Borne Virus “Is a Nightmare” For Australian Pig Farmers
In the U.S., Manure is ‘Hot Commodity’ Amid Commercial Fertilizer Shortage
Impact of Increased Use of Non-GM Feed on Animal Feed Industry
