Seaboard reports $20 million boost in Butterball earnings for Q3
Seaboard Corporation announced a significant jump in earnings from its 52.5% stake in Butterball, reporting $26 million in income from this investment for Q3 2025, compared to just $6 million in the same period last year. This matters because the dramatic improvement signals strengthening fundamentals in the turkey sector after several challenging years marked by avian influenza disruptions and volatile feed costs. The company attributes the gains primarily to 13% higher sales volumes and 4% higher prices, combined with 4% lower costs per pound.
Bird health improvements and lower feed costs have created a powerful tailwind for turkey operations, with the positive momentum extending beyond a single quarter. For the first nine months of fiscal 2025, Seaboard's income from Butterball has already doubled compared to the same period in 2024, reaching $43 million versus $21 million.
Industry analysts should note that while the first half of 2025 remained relatively flat due to 7% higher production costs from bird health issues, the strong turnaround in Q3 suggests operational improvements are taking hold. Executives should evaluate whether this performance indicates a broader recovery across the turkey segment or represents Butterball-specific advantages in supply chain management. Looking ahead, Seaboard projects continued profitability for its turkey segment, though the company appropriately cautions that market price volatility and disease impacts remain unpredictable variables.
Research reveals soy bioactive compounds cut PRRS-related mortality by nearly 50%
New research presented at the Leman Swine Conference demonstrates that bioactive compounds in soybean meal can dramatically reduce mortality in pigs challenged with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus. This matters because PRRS remains one of the costliest diseases in swine production, and these findings suggest a nutritional approach that could complement existing control strategies without additional pharmaceutical interventions. Dr. Ryan Dilger from the University of Illinois and Dr. Brooke Smith from Cargill Animal Nutrition reported that supplemental isoflavones reduced mortality by almost 50% from weaning to market.
The research shows that specific soy compounds - isoflavones and saponins - work through complementary mechanisms to modulate immune response. Isoflavones are absorbed and act systemically to support adaptive immunity while reducing viral load, while saponins work locally in the gut to maintain intestinal integrity and prevent secondary infections.
Swine nutritionists should consider these findings when formulating diets for operations with recurring PRRS challenges, particularly during high-risk periods. The economic modeling presented suggests that even with potential growth performance penalties from PRRS infection, the substantial improvement in survivability translates directly to increased revenue across various packer grids. Forward-looking producers should engage both veterinarians and nutritionists in discussions about leveraging these bioactive compounds as part of a comprehensive PRRS control strategy, especially for vulnerable nursery populations.
CPF and NH Foods launch joint venture for premium processed pork in Asia
Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) of Thailand and NH Foods of Japan announced the formation of CPF NH Foods, a strategic joint venture focused on developing, producing, and marketing premium processed pork products across Asia. This matters because the partnership unites two of Asia's leading food companies to address growing consumer demand for high-quality protein products across multiple high-growth markets, including Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The venture will leverage CPF's modern processing facility in Thailand's Chachoengsao province as its production hub.
The alliance represents an acceleration of regional integration in Asia's protein processing sector, coming after an earlier comprehensive strategic partnership between the companies that focused on premium beef distribution. Both CEOs emphasized the partnership's role in setting new standards for food manufacturing across Asia while enhancing competitiveness.
Industry watchers should monitor how this collaboration affects premium pork product distribution and pricing throughout the region, as the combined capabilities in innovation, safety standards, and supply chain optimization could reshape competitive dynamics. The partnership's focus on premium positioning indicates continued strength in higher-end protein segments despite economic uncertainties. Look for similar strategic alliances as regional processors seek scale and technological advantages to compete in increasingly sophisticated Asian consumer markets.
Zoetis appoints digital health entrepreneur Stephanie Tilenius to board of directors
Zoetis, the world's leading animal health company, announced the appointment of Stephanie Tilenius to its board of directors effective December 1, 2025. This matters because Tilenius brings extensive experience in digital health, artificial intelligence, and technology transformation at a time when Zoetis is accelerating its digital strategy and data-driven innovation across animal health. Her background as founder of multiple healthcare companies, including recently a stealth company in the longevity AI space, signals Zoetis' commitment to technological leadership.
Tilenius' appointment expands the Zoetis board from 12 to 13 members and adds significant expertise from her leadership roles at Google, PayPal, and eBay, where she built products from the ground up and managed multi-billion dollar business units. CEO Kristin Peck specifically highlighted the appointment's alignment with the company's vision to harness data and digital solutions for better customer outcomes.
The strategic significance of this appointment suggests animal health executives should anticipate an acceleration of digital transformation initiatives from the industry leader. Companies should evaluate their own digital and AI strategies as Zoetis continues to invest in technology-driven solutions. The addition of Tilenius' consumer technology and digital health experience to the traditional animal health sector points to emerging convergence between human and animal health technologies, potentially opening new partnership opportunities across these domains.
Hormel Foods names Paul Kuehneman as interim CFO following Smiley's departure
Hormel Foods appointed Paul Kuehneman as interim Chief Financial Officer effective October 27, following the departure of Jacinth Smiley, who had served as CFO since 2021. This matters because Kuehneman brings more than 30 years of experience with Hormel, including significant leadership in the company's Jennie-O Turkey Store division, providing critical continuity as the company navigates a period of executive transition. Interim CEO Jeff Ettinger emphasized Kuehneman's "deep knowledge of our business and proven track record of results."
The leadership change comes at a pivotal time for Hormel, which is operating under interim CEO leadership following the August departure of former chief executive Jim Snee, who had led the company since 2016. The changes in both the CEO and CFO positions within a short timeframe suggest potential shifts in strategic direction.
Industry analysts should watch for signals about Hormel's future priorities during the upcoming earnings call and monitor whether the search for a permanent CFO indicates preference for continued internal promotion or desire for fresh external perspective. The deep bench of experienced executives from which Kuehneman was selected demonstrates Hormel's focus on institutional knowledge and continuity during this transitional period. Competitors should prepare for potential changes in Hormel's M&A strategy or capital allocation priorities once permanent leadership is established.