In a recent Q4 earnings call, Hormel disclosed its decision to discontinue turkey harvest operations at the Jennie-O Turkey facility in Barron, Wisconsin, by the second quarter of 2024. Hormel’s Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO, Jim Snee, stated that the focus for the facility will shift towards value-added offerings, contributing to the expansion of the Hormel brand.
Snee emphasized that this strategic shift aligns with objectives outlined in late 2021 for Jennie-O Turkey Store. The Barron plant is slated to support high demand and high growth product lines across all sectors of the organization. Snee highlighted the commitment to integrating the Turkey business into the broader organization, aiming to drive efficiencies and foster growth.
Despite the operational change, Snee assured stakeholders that the company remains on track for net sales growth in fiscal 2024, with a projected increase of 1% to 3%. He described this period as a “year of investment,” expressing the company’s mission to restore the business to its historic earnings trajectory.
This move reflects Hormel’s strategic adaptation to market dynamics and underscores its commitment to enhancing overall organizational efficiency and growth.