Stop Foodborne Illness Announces Sandra Eskin as New CEO Former USDA Deputy Under Secretary Officially Leads Nonprofit

Eskin, a respected leader in food safety, most recently at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has a long track record of food safety advocacy. Throughout her career, Eskin has worked on a broad range of food safety, consumer protection, and public policy issues.  

Perdue Farms to Close Monterey Chicken Plant

January 21, 2025 Tom Polansek, The Tennessean

Perdue said its closure is part of a modernization of its supply chain and follows a strategic business and financial review. For the small town of Monterey and larger Putnam County, the news came as a shock. It’s the largest employer in Monterey.

Governor Pritzker Announces $2.5 Million Investment in Frichtl Expansion Project in Effingham County

Frichtl will construct a new facility to improve processing efficiency with state-of-the-art equipment. Additionally, this innovative project features a front retail store that includes a variety of essential departments to meet community needs, including produce, baking goods, canned goods, dairy, and frozen foods. The facility will specialize in processing beef, hogs, and deer, providing locally sourced meat products as well as offering products conveniently packaged for customers in the retail store.

Simmons Foods Names Johnny Bullington as President of Simmons Prepared Foods

January 20, 2025 Simmons Foods Inc.

Johnny Bullington has extensive experience from 19 years in the poultry industry, including key roles at both Simmons and Tyson Foods. He began his career at Simmons in 2006 as a Production Accountant and has held several leadership positions in Finance, Accounting, and Supply Chain. His most recent role at Simmons since 2024 was Senior Vice President of Business Operations. 

Some Nebraska Lawmakers Seek to Banish Lab-Grown Meat from Shelves

Jim Pillen, Nebraska’s first active farmer elected as governor in more than a century, called agriculture the lifeblood of the state’s economy. He said that while most people want the government “out of our hair,” he believes the state should protect consumers and defend agriculture.