Source:  Rita Jane Gabbett,  MEATINGPLACE.COM, 4/26/11

Garner, N.C.-based Butterball LLC announced today the resignation of Keith Shoemaker as president and CEO of the company effective April 25, 2011 with no successor in place.

Until a permanent successor is named, current members of the Butterball LLC board will assume CEO responsibilities, according to a company statement.

Butterball is jointly owned by Seaboard Corp. and Maxwell Farms LLC.

Seaboard completed its 50 percent share purchase in the company in December, 2010.

“Butterball is a strong growing company with a bright future,” said Steven Bresky, president and CEO of Seaboard Corp. “During this transition we do not anticipate major changes in any areas of production or employment. It is business as usual.”

“Butterball thanks Mr. Shoemaker for his valuable service and for successfully guiding the company through last year’s change in ownership as well as his role in making the company what it is today,” said Walter Pelletier, president of Maxwell Farms LLC and Butterball board member.

Butterball LLC is the largest producer of turkey products in the United States, producing 1 billion pounds of turkey each year from seven U.S. plants. The company supplies its products to more than 30 countries.

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