Butterball teams up with American Heart Association

Butterball will sponsor the Triangle American Heart Association’s My Heart. My Life. initiative. This sponsorship aligns the American Heart Association’s mission with Butterball’s corporate citizenship program, Traditions with Purpose, which reinforces the importance of nutritious eating and overall well-being, and places Butterball team members at the heart of the business. Butterball’s support of the My Heart. My Life initiative is a further extension of its current relationship with the American Heart Association. For the past several years, nearly two dozen of Butterball’s turkey products have carried the American Heart Association’s Heart Check seal. 
Through Traditions with Purpose, Butterball makes every effort to create a positive influence in key areas of its business – to engage and enhance the lives of team members, deliver the highest quality food to consumers’ plates, provide a safe, clean environment for future generations, and invest in the communities that team members call home. With the My Heart. My Life. sponsorship, Butterball will encourage its team members to participate in healthy activities and give back to the local community, ultimately supporting the American Heart Association in achieving an impact goal of improving the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent.
“At Butterball, our team members’ well-being is of utmost importance,” said Kerry Doughty, president and CEO. “We are committed to empowering our team members to proactively manage their health, and also support the communities where we live and work. Through our Traditions with Purpose platform and this American Heart Association sponsorship, our team members will have opportunities throughout the year to engage in activities to improve both their personal health and that of our communities.”
Activities through the My Heart. My Life. initiative provide Butterball team members with multiple opportunities to volunteer and engage in the cause, including the upcoming Triangle Heart Walk. All funds raised through Heart Walk will support the American Heart Association’s mission to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S.
 “Butterball’s support of the My Heart. My Life. initiative will allow us to make an even deeper impact in the communities throughout the Triangle area of North Carolina,” said Debra Lowder, American Heart Association senior director, corporate development. “Butterball’s commitment to giving back through Traditions with Purpose is evident in the sponsorship of the American Heart Association’s work to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. We look forward to working together in the year ahead.”

Butterball joins forces with the American Heart Association

Butterball has announced sponsorship of the Triangle American Heart Association’s My Heart. My Life. initiative. This sponsorship aligns the American Heart Association’s mission with Butterball’s corporate citizenship program, Traditions with Purpose, which reinforces the importance of nutritious eating and overall well-being, and places Butterball team members at the heart of the business. The company's support of the My Heart. My Life initiative is a further extension of its current relationship with the American Heart Association (AHA). For the past several years, nearly two dozen of Butterball’s turkey products have carried AHA's Check seal.
Through Traditions with Purpose, Butterball makes every effort to create a positive influence in key areas of its business – to engage and enhance the lives of team members, deliver the highest quality food to consumers’ plates, provide a safe, clean environment for future generations and invest in the communities that team members call home. With the My Heart. My Life. sponsorship, Butterball is encouraging its team members to participate in healthy activities and give back to the local community, ultimately supporting the Association in achieving an impact goal of improving the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent.
“At Butterball, our team members’ well-being is of utmost importance,” said Kerry Doughty, president and CEO. “We are committed to empowering our team members to proactively manage their health, and also support the communities where we live and work. Through ourTraditions with Purpose platform and this American Heart Association sponsorship, our team members will have opportunities throughout the year to engage in activities to improve both their personal health and that of our communities.”
Activities through this initiative provide Butterball team members with multiple opportunities to volunteer and engage in the cause, including the upcoming Triangle Heart Walk. All funds raised through the walk will support the AHA’s mission to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S.
“Butterball’s support of the My Heart. My Life. initiative will allow us to make an even deeper impact in the communities throughout the Triangle area of North Carolina,” said Debra Lowder, Asso Senior Director, Corporate Development. “Butterball’s commitment to giving back through Traditions with Purpose is evident in the sponsorship of the American Heart Association’s work to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. We look forward to working together in the year ahead.”
For more information on Butterball’s corporate citizenship platform, please visit butterballcorp.com.

Butterball, LLC plant celebrates 3 million hours without lost-time injury

Employees at Butterball, LLC’s Mount Olive, N.C., facility recently achieved a major milestone in workplace safety by working 3 million hours without an Occupational Health and Safety Administration recordable lost-time injury. 
The turkey producer’s workplace safety program consistently delivers safety performance that exceeds poultry industry standards as compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Adopting standards developed by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Voluntary Protection Program, Butterball implements a reputable safety program that has secured numerous accolades from national and local organizations. In fact, Butterball’s enterprise-wide recordable injury rate is consistently 50 percent better than the poultry industry average.
“Reaching this important milestone further demonstrates Butterball's commitment to eliminating unsafe conditions, behaviors and worker injuries throughout the enterprise and is a testament to the active involvement and engagement in various safety processes by facility associates,” said Brian Rodgers, corporate director of safety and risk management. 
Butterball’s Mount Olive location is the largest turkey manufacturing facility in the United States and employs approximately 2,800 people. 

Butterball buys former House of Raeford further processing plant

Butterball has purchased a further processing facility in Raeford, North Carolina. The purchase of this facility, formerly owned by House of Raeford Farms, was completed on February 19, and will help Butterball continue to meet growing consumer demand for a variety of its turkey products.
Operations at the plant are expected to begin in April.
“We are extremely excited to expand Butterball’s further processing operations in Raeford, North Carolina, and for the opportunity to further strengthen our ties with the community,” said Kerry Doughty, Butterball president and chief executive officer (CEO). “Over the next 12 months we anticipate investing nearly $30 million in improvements for the facility, totaling more than 200,000-square-feet, and enhancing its production capacity to 200 million pounds annually.”
House of Raeford decided to close the plant in December 2014 and sell it as part of a new strategic direction, de-emphasizing turkey processing and focusing further on growing its chicken production volume and further processed chicken lines.
While several companies had expressed an interest in purchasing the facility, House of Raeford Farms decided Butterball was the best fit.
“House of Raeford is pleased that another reputable North Carolina brand will be expanding operations in Raeford,” said Bob Johnson, president and CEO of House of Raeford. “This transaction will bring quality employment and business opportunities to the community through the continued operation of this facility. House of Raeford remains committed to and appreciates the support of the local community and its officials throughout this process.”
Butterball already has a presence in Raeford, as it employs nearly 200 people in its hatchery operations and Western Breeder Division. Through this acquisition, Butterball will provide an opportunity for more than 200 initial jobs for those in the Raeford community, and more than 360 jobs over the next three years.
“Butterball is one of North Carolina’s great success stories,” said Gov. Pat McCrory. “The company is known all over the world for its products, and it is great to see it expand its presence here. North Carolina currently ranks first in the nation in turkey production by pound, and the industry is an important part of the state’s economy.”

Seaboard net income more than triples in third quarter

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  Andrea Gantz

  Seaboard's turkey and pork segments helped lift Seaboard's net income for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014.

  From WATTAgNet:
  Net income for Seaboard Corp. rose in the third quarter, anchored by the strength of its turkey and pork segments. The company reported net income for the third quarter of $104.7 million or $89.49 per share, compared to $31.0 million or $25.99 per share for the year-ago quarter.
  
  Net sales for the third quarter fell to $1.62 billion from $1.65 billion during the same quarter in 2013.
  
  Turkey segment's net income surges
  
  The Seaboard turkey segment, Butterball, reported an income of $14.3 million, compared to a loss of nearly $4 million during the third quarter of 2014. Net sales for the turkey segment amounted to $487 million, an improvement from the $445 million recorded during the same quarter in 2013.
  
  Seaboard pork segment doubles income
  Seaboard’s pork segment saw its income more than double, reaching $70 million in the first quarter, up from the $34 million recorded during the same period in 2013. The pork segment’s sales for the quarter reached $455 million, up from the $436 million achieved during the same period of 2013.
  
  As of September 27, Seaboard's pork segment sold a 50 percent interest in Daily's Premium Meats, its processed meats division, to Triumph Foods. Included in net earnings attributable to Seaboard for the three and nine months ended September 27, is a gain on sale of controlling interest in subsidiary of $39,279,000 net of taxes, or $33.56 and $33.25 per share, respectively (a $64,392,000 gain before taxes). The final sale price is subject to agreement on the final working capital adjustments but any such remaining adjustment is not anticipated to be significant.

Butterball expands corporate citizenship program

Butterball has introduced an expanded corporate citizenship platform that showcases its efforts to create a positive impact in all areas of operation. The program, “Traditions with Purpose,” comprises the focus areas of people, plate, planet and philanthropy, and includes a signature commitment to animal care and well-being, as well as commitments to protecting associates, preserving the environment and investing in local communities.
Butterball’s “Traditions with Purpose” program centers on making delicious and nutritious food in a responsible way, seeking progress in:
People: Butterball believes its associates are the heart of the business, so their safety, health and satisfaction rate among Butterball’s top priorities. Its award-winning safety programs and processes demonstrate this commitment: Butterball’s enterprise-wide recordable injury rate is consistently at least 50 percent better than the poultry industry average, according to the company.
Plate: Butterball commits to providing high-quality and nutritious products to its consumers. This begins with providing the best possible care for its turkeys. In partnership with family farmers, the company works to achieve industry-leading results in the area of animal care and well-being. To accomplish this, Butterball has developed an Animal Care and Well-Being Council, engages associates in a comprehensive training curriculum, has secured American Humane Association (AHA) certification and is making ongoing operational enhancements at all of its facilities. 
Planet: Butterball recognizes its responsibility to protect the planet, preserve the natural resources it relies on to produce Butterball foods and ensure that Butterball families and future generations enjoy a thriving environment. Since 2007, Butterball has measured and reduced its impact on key natural resources and focused efforts where it can make the biggest difference: in transportation, manufacturing facilities and packaging.
Philanthropy: Since local communities are where Butterball’s consumers and associates live and raise their families,  Butterball commits to serve the communities it calls home. Butterball supports local community needs through financial and in-kind donations, and partners with national and local nonprofit organizations such as Feeding America.
“As a respected corporate citizen, it is our responsibility to make positive impacts throughout our business,” said Kerry Doughty, Butterball president and CEO. “Our new corporate citizenship platform helps define this important role, particularly our signature commitment to animal care and well-being.”
Butterball earns American Humane Association certification
As part of the company’s signature commitment to animal care and well-being within the Plate focus area, all Butterball products received certification under the American Humane Certified (AHC) program. AHC is the nation’s first independent, third-party humane certification program for farm animals. Butterball branded products will bear the AHC seal by fall 2014, verifying that turkeys raised on Butterball’s family-owned farms meet or exceed the rigorous, science-based American Humane Association standards for animal care.
“Becoming an American Humane Certified producer signifies that Butterball is committed to the welfare of the animals in its care, meeting some 200 rigorous, scientifically based standards ensuring everything from adequate space to proper lighting, air quality, humane treatment, and the ability to engage in natural behaviors,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Association. “As the country’s first national turkey brand to attain certification from American Humane Association, Butterball has demonstrated its dedication to animal care. We’re delighted Butterball shares our passion for humane care.”
Butterball is dedicated to continuous improvement across all “Traditions with Purpose” initiatives, in order to set a higher standard for the company, as well as the industry.

Butterball Foodservice helps chefs keep up with breakfast trends

As more people eat breakfast away from home, chefs and operators need a continuous flow of new menu ideas to attract discerning patrons. Butterball Foodservice is helping chefs meet this need, offering several ideas to keep menus fresh, flavorful and on-trend, while including turkey in the recipes.
According to the National Restaurant Association’s What’s Hot 2014 Culinary Forecast, the top trend in breakfast and brunch menus is ethnically inspired breakfast items.
To help operators meet this growing trend, Butterball Foodservice offers a full line of products that satisfy a variety of breakfast needs. Turkey sausage, bacon, filets, medallions and more give rise to countless menu possibilities.
Butterball Foodservice has offered these ideas, using Butterball turkey products:


• Migas with Breakfast Turkey Sausage —This healthy, Tex-Mex staple is made with turkey sausage, sautéed peppers and tortilla strips mixed into scrambled eggs and served with salsa.
• Turkey Hummus Sandwich —Turkey bacon, red pepper hummus, and hard-boiled egg with tomato and basil make this Mediterranean-inspired treat a hearty favorite, as well as a great on-the-go option.
• Turkey Breakfast Tacos —Turkey taco filling, scrambled eggs, roasted tomato salsa and Jack cheese folded in a tortilla brings real Southwestern flavor to breakfast menus.
Richie Jenkins, Butterball Foodservice’s senior director of marketing, said, “We pride ourselves on offering quality turkey products to help chefs and operators menu delicious and innovative dishes for all dayparts. With breakfast sales rising, turkey is a versatile protein uniquely suited for creating healthier, on-trend menu offerings.”

Butterball offers ground turkey recipes

As beef prices continue to rise, foodservice operators are faced with the decision to either raise their prices, make less money or find a new staple protein. As chefs look for cost-effective menu alternatives, Butterball Foodservice has developed a wide variety of flavorful recipes that feature ground turkey instead of beef.
Among Butterball’s recipes are:


• Banh Mi Turkey Wraps — These lettuce wraps made with ground turkey and Asian flavors
• Three Philosophers Sliders — Slider option highlights distinct flavor profiles of sweet, sour and savory
• Turkey Breakfast Tacos — These tacos feature spicy turkey taco filling, scrambled eggs and salsa in a warm tortilla
The perfect platform for menu creativity, Butterball Ground Turkey is great for burgers, meatloaf, meatballs, pasta dishes, comfort foods, tacos, breakfast burritos and more. Not only is turkey less expensive than beef, it is also a highly versatile protein for any daypart. Chefs can reinvigorate menus with new items at a better price point that also come with the halo of health.
Richie Jenkins, Butterball Foodservice’s senior director of marketing, said: “As beef prices skyrocket, foodservice operators are increasingly being forced to either raise their prices or find alternatives. Our versatile ground turkey provides an opportunity for chefs to use their creativity and enhance their menus in a way that allows them to satisfy their customers’ need for delicious food, healthy options and wallet-friendly meals.”

Butterball lawsuit against Colorado city dismissed

A lawsuit filed by Butterball against the City of Longmont, Colorado, has been dismissed by a district judge, invalidating the turkey processors’ claims that a change in zoning was done illegally and hurt Butterball’s chances to sell a building that once housed a turkey plant. The lawsuit had previously been scheduled for a September trial.
Butterball in 2013 filed the suit against the city, saying the city did not give it proper notice that it planned to rezone land in Longmont that included the former Butterball plant. The city in January 2013 changed the zoning from “mixed use” to “mixed industrial” as part of its plans to redevelop the neighborhood, a move Butterball said was illegal and improper.
However, according to a Longmont Times-Call report, District Judge Andrew Hartman said the City of Longmont had given proper notice via email, regular mail, certified mail and public meeting notices. The letters were all sent to a Butterball address listed with the Boulder County Assessor’s Office. Butterball argued that a notice should have been physically posted on the buildings, and that no Butterball personnel recalled getting the letters.
Hartman disagreed. “Under the United States Constitution, due process does not require that the interested party actually receive the notices – only that the notices be placed in the mail,” Hartman wrote, adding that he believed the city genuinely tried to provide notice.
The Butterball plant in Longmont closed in late 2011 and the building was placed on the market in the summer of 2012. 

Exceldor to acquire Canadian Butterball producer P&H Foods

Canadian chicken and turkey processor Exceldor has signed a definitive agreement to acquire P&H Foods. Included in the transaction are P&H Foods’ primary turkey processing plant located in Hanover, Ontario, and a joint venture interest in Golden Valley Farms consisting of a further processing plant located in Arthur, Ontario. P&H Foods produces and sells products under the Butterball brand in Canada under a licensing agreement with Butterball LLC.
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of the 2014 calendar year, shortly after required regulatory approvals are received. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
"The acquisition of P&H Foods gives us the opportunity not only to expand our operations outside the Province ofQuebec, but also integrate Butterball to our portfolio of existing brands in Canada," said René Proulx, Exceldor's president and CEO. As a result of this acquisition, Exceldor will have revenues in excess of CA$625 million (US$572.2 million) and its products will be sold across Canada.
"We are excited about the growth opportunities we foresee with the Butterball brand, positioning Exceldor to be the market leader in the turkey processing industry in Canada. We welcome the dedicated employees of P&H Foods, who have significantly contributed to its success and it is our intention to operate and enhance the P&H Foods facilities," added Proulx.
"We are pleased to be joining Exceldor, an industry leading organization that has a well-respected reputation in the Canadian poultry industry for management excellence and product innovation. Our 400 employees look forward to becoming members of the Exceldor team," said Paul Borg, president of P&H Foods. 

New Butterball CEO assumes role

Kerry Doughty has been named president and CEO of Butterball, effective May 5. Doughty succeeds Rod Brenneman, who has fulfilled his three-year commitment to develop Butterball’s long-term vision for the organization.
As CEO, Doughty will be responsible for overseeing the company’s business strategy and operations, and will leverage more than 30 years of experience in the food industry.
“Butterball will benefit from Kerry’s leadership, vision and passion for customers and associates as he steps into his new role as president and CEO,” said Walter Pelletier, president of Maxwell Farms, which shares equal ownership of Butterball with Seaboard Corporation. “Butterball has a strong legacy of providing quality, great tasting products that families enjoy every day, and Kerry is committed to that tradition.”
“Kerry is an excellent selection for this role,” said Steven Bresky, president and CEO of Seaboard Corp. “His experience, passion, customer focus and strategic leadership will drive the Butterball organization to continued success.”
Doughty joined Butterball in 2007 as executive vice president of sales, marketing and innovation and has proven himself as a key leader within the company and poultry industry. In his role as executive vice president, Doughty held responsibility for Butterball’s domestic and international retail and food service customer relationships, oversaw all marketing and public relations initiatives, and led new product and innovation development. Prior to his seven years with Butterball, Doughty served for more than 25 years in customer service, sales and brand marketing roles of increasing responsibility, including leadership positions with large consumer brands such as Perdue Farms, Hardee’s and Wilson Foods.
“I’m honored to serve as Butterball’s next president and CEO,” said Doughty. “My predecessor was extremely successful in establishing operational efficiencies and a solid, integrated business plan that I truly respect and plan to maintain. Moving forward, I hope to build on that foundation and position our innovation and customer needs at the forefront of Butterball’s business initiatives.”
Responsibilities associated with the executive vice president position will be assigned in short order to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
During Brenneman’s time with Butterball, he made a positive impact upon the company and leaves Butterball as a more integrated and efficient organization that is well positioned for continued growth and profitability well into the future.
“I am very proud of what we successfully built during my time with Butterball, and perhaps most proud of the outstanding team we’ve assembled – a team which is second to none,” said Brenneman. “I’m humbled and grateful for the opportunities we’ve had over the last three years, and am confident Kerry will continue to lead Butterball on the right path during the months and years ahead.”

Butterball commitment to Salmonella Initiative Program getting good results

Caleb Lilley, Butterball quality assurance laboratory manager, discusses its Salmonella Initiative Program at the 2014 IPPE.
It has taken a lot of commitment from the managers at Butterball to adopt a Salmonella Initiative Program (SIP), but since it did the largest turkey processor in the United States has nearly eliminated incidences where Salmonella samplings at the plants have tested positive. Caleb Lilley, Butterball quality assurance laboratory manager, shared Butterball's experiences with its SIP at the 2014 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta on January 28.
Ever since the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) established SIP guidelines in 2007 as a means to improve Salmonella control in broiler and turkey slaughter operations, Butterball has been actively implementing its SIP. The Butterball plant in Carthage, Mo. was the first U.S. poultry plant to receive approval to participate in the FSIS SIP program. Today, all of Butterball's plants participate.
To carry out its SIP, Butterball has established a Salmonella action team, which consists of managers from all departments involved in the process. "The biggest part of that is a commitment from those in management," said Lilley.
The team meets weekly. Its duties involve reviewing data from what is being done to reduce the risk of Salmonella at each facility. It shares what are the best practices among all of the facilities, going through the histories, evaluating what interventions have been done, determining what interventions will be used in the SIP program, and developing corrective action protocols. The team also commits to making sure the interventions are in place and working all the time.
Through using antimicrobials that are well-known in the industry as interventions during the evisceration, chilling, post-chilling and further processing stages, the Butterball SIP program has proven to be a worthwhile venture. Since establishing the SIP at Butterball, the samplings that test positive for Salmonella have dropped from 7.8 percent in 2006 to 0.21 percent in 2013.
"It's definitely changed how we think of our operations, especially from our raw side. We don't just go in thinking 'yields, yields, yields.' We have to think about intervention first," said Lilley.

Butterball experiences shortage of large, fresh turkeys

Butterball is experiencing a limited availability of large, fresh turkeys in advance of the 2013 Thanksgiving holiday. The company, however, said it still has an ample supply of frozen whole turkeys of small, medium and large varieties.
Butterball's shortage of large, fresh turkeys is being attributed to a decline in weight gains for turkeys at some of its farms. Butterball is evaluating all potential causes for the shortage of Butterball's large, fresh turkeys, and is working to remedy the issue. Meanwhile, it is encouraging consumers desiring a large turkey to consider purchasing Butterball frozen turkeys, which are widely available.
"While there may be a limited availability on some larger sizes of fresh turkeys, Butterball has shipped 100 percent of customer orders of frozen whole turkeys and products are in distribution across the country," the company said in a statement.
If consumers cannot find a Butterball fresh whole turkey at their desired store, they can purchase a Butterball frozen whole turkey. Depending on the size of the turkey, it typically takes between three to five days to thaw. Butterball suggests thawing turkeys in the refrigerator for four hours per pound of turkey.

Free Butterball turkeys to be given to college football fans

The Portland State University football team is hosting its first "Turkey Bowl" on October 26. Each of the first 5,000 adult ticket holders at the game, where the Vikings take on the University of North Dakota, will get a voucher for a free Butterball turkey.
Tickets to the Big Sky Conference game cost $19, and ticket holders will each get a voucher for a 10-pound Butterball turkey, according to news sources. The vouchers are redeemable at any store that sells Butterballs. Two vouchers can be used for a 20-pound turkey.

Butterball commits to improving animal welfare efforts

Butterball, the U.S.' largest turkey processor, is working with industry specialists and scientists to further develop its on-farm animal welfare practices. Butterball is doing so by creating an animal care and well-being advisory council, seeking certification from the American Humane Association, and establishing a more-thorough employee training program.
"At Butterball, our goal is nothing less than offering the richest, tastiest, most-satisfying turkey products. For us, that also has to mean the best-cared-for, most ethically raised and healthiest turkeys we can produce," the company stated.
Animal care and well-being advisory council formed
Butterball has established a new, independent animal care and well-being advisory council, which includes some of the leading animal care specialists in the U.S. The council aims to facilitate open and transparent dialogue related to best practices and new developments in turkey well-being.
Council members are: Temple Grandin, Colorado State University; Joy Mench, University of California-Davis; Yvonne Thaxton, University of Arkansas; Jesse Grimes, North Carolina State University; and Michael Martin, North Carolina State University. All five council members have made a two-year commitment, will meet in person twice a year and participate in regular conference calls.
Butterball seeks American Humane Certified designation
Seeking greater accountability for animal welfare standards, Butterball has applied for certification under the American Humane Certified program.  In July 2013, Butterball's fresh, whole turkeys became approved to carry the certification label as American Humane Certified, while other Butterball products are in the review process.
The American Humane Certified program is the nation's first, independent, third-party humane certification program for farm animals. It involved rigorous inspections and examinations to assure the handling of the animals meets or exceeds the science-based animal welfare standards of the American Humane Association.
Training employees on animal welfare
Since the well-being of the turkeys is in the hands of Butterball employees, all employees in contact with the animals must be trained before their first day on the job, and all tenured employees will be also be required to complete the training. The work of all employees will be checked to make sure it is up to the company's standard, and a zero-tolerance policy for mistreatment of the turkeys has been established.
The company is also working with all partners along Butterball's supply chain to make sure Butterball's guidelines for animal care are being strictly enforced.

Butterball case against Colorado city set for April 2014

A lawsuit filed by Butterball against the city of Longmont, Colo., over zoning issues has been scheduled for an April 2014 trial. The company claims the city's decision to rezone the property where a Butterball turkey plant was once in operation hurt Butterball's ability to sell the building.
Butterball first brought the case against the city in February, asking a judge to overturn the city's rezoning of the 103 acres near First and Main, an area that includes the former Butterball turkey plant. The council had voted in January to make the area "mixed use" instead of "mixed industrial" as part of plans to redevelop the neighborhood after a bus and a train station are built, according to a Longmont Times-Call report.
Butterball has argued that the move was "illegal and improper spot zoning" that hurt its ability to sell the property to another food processor. It also claims the city never gave proper notice of its hearings and public meetings on the topic, though city officials deny that allegation.
The April 2014 trial will be held at the Boulder District Court and is scheduled for six days. 

Meat snack manufacturer adds Butterball products to vending machine offerings

Monogram Food Solutions, a leading national manufacturer of value-added meat snacks,is providing vending consumers with four new Butterball Turkey snack products to its growing portfolio of micro market offerings.
"Monogram Foods strives to continuously provide vend consumers with new and differentiated products at a great value," said Daryl Thomas, vice president of special markets with Monogram Foods. "Superior value through quality products, brands and product innovation - not duplication, is the reason Monogram is the fastest growing meat snack company in the U.S."
The new Butterball Turkey products feature no added monosodium glutamates and are low in calories, fat and carbohydrates, according to Vending Marketwatch. 

Butterball to expand Illinois processing facility

Butterball is set to add expand its facility in Montgomery, Ill., which the company purchased from Gusto Packing.
The plant, which was purchased by Butterball in December, currently employs about 500 people at the facility, but the expansion will enable the company to add about 75 jobs over the next two years. The company will be eligible for state tax credits based on the jobs that are created, according to the Montgomery Patch.
The expansion project was struck in cooperation with the State of Illinois, Village of Montgomery, the Montgomery Economic Development Corporation and Kane County. 

Former Butterball worker pleads guilty to animal cruelty

A man has pleaded guilty to charges of animal cruelty that stemmed from a December 2011 raid at a Butterball turkey farm.
Deputies raided the Shannon farm after animal-rights group Mercy for Animals provided a hidden-camera video that showed farm workers beating and stomping on turkeys.
Ronnie Jacobs, 58, Raeford, N.C., is the last of five workers charged in the case to be convicted, WRAL reported. All five also lost their jobs at the farm.
Dr. Sarah Mason, director of animal health programs in the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Poultry Division, also pleaded guilty to her role in informing a veterinarian for Butterball that Hoke County prosecutors were reviewing the undercover video. She was placed on probation for a year. 

Butterball named North Carolina Exporter of the Year

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services named Butterball as the 2013 North Carolina Exporter of the Year.
“From 2009 to 2011, we saw turkey exports nearly double in North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Butterball makes up a significant percentage of those exports and is deserving of this honor.”
Company representatives were recognized at a presentation during the annual Ag Development Forum at the State Fairgrounds Jan. 31. The Exporter of the Year award acknowledges agribusinesses that have excelled in exporting agricultural products around the world.
Butterball, headquartered in Garner, N.C., exports more than 100 million pounds of turkey products to more than 50 countries annually. In addition, the company develops new products that cater to international markets and customs. As a result, Butterball is able to export 15 percent of its annual volume through products the U.S. market cannot absorb.
Joel Coleman, general manager of international sales, and Scott Singleton, international sales manager, accepted the award on behalf of Butterball.