On February 1, Butterball LLC revealed the promotion of Vernon Felts to the position of vice president of live operations. This appointment follows the retirement of Walter ‘Gator’ Pelletier from the role in 2023.
Felts, who joined Butterball alongside Pelletier in 2006 after the acquisition of Maxwell Farms, boasts extensive experience in nutrition and farm management. His long-standing commitment to the company uniquely qualifies him for the role.
Excited about his new responsibilities, Felts expressed enthusiasm for leading Butterball’s turkey production on a national scale. He looks forward to navigating the challenges and opportunities alongside the experienced live operations team.
Based in Butterball’s Goldsboro, NC, office, Felts is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology, a master’s degree in poultry science, and a Ph.D. in animal science with a focus on poultry nutrition.
Jay Jandrain, CEO of Butterball, commended Felts for bringing expertise and professionalism to the live operations division. He expressed confidence in Felts building on the existing program’s success. Pelletier will continue to contribute as a board member, ensuring continuity for Butterball.
Felts is actively involved in the Agricultural Advisory Board at the University of Mount Olive, serves on the board of the National Turkey Federation, and is a member of the US Poultry and Egg Association Foundation Research Advisory Committee. He also served as an adjunct assistant professor in the poultry science department at North Carolina State University from 2005 to 2021.
Meanwhile, Pelletier, during his retirement, will retain his position as a member of Butterball’s board of directors as a representative of Goldsboro Milling Co. Having led North Carolina’s turkey growing operations until 2015, Pelletier served as the head of Butterball’s live operations nationwide.
Reflecting on his retirement, Pelletier expressed missing the daily interactions with the leadership and live operations teams but looks forward to spending more time with family, including seven grandchildren, and traveling with his wife.
