Articles by Andy Hanacek

In 1966, John S. Richardson founded SugarCreek Packing Co. in Washington Court House, Ohio, opting to focus production on bacon — an accidentally prescient move that would set the company on course for long-term success during his tenure.

The pork industry’s decision to convert to sow housing in recent years had been driven predominantly ethical concerns, but scientific research may yet help producers transition more easily to group housing and handle the new set of challenges it brings.

This month, to wrap up the magazine’s coverage of its 125th Anniversary, the editorial team decided to take on a bigger challenge: Select 25 individuals we expect will change the industry over the next decade or two.

In conjunction with the coverage of The National Provisioner’s 125th Anniversary, we chose to honor 25 icons who made their mark on industry since 1991.

Fighting cancer has become serious business not only for academia and pharmaceutical companies, but also food companies, which have chipped in funding and expertise to help patients battling to get their lives back.

Voters for The National Provisioner’s Plant of the Year award this year faced a serious challenge, as each of the nominees — all processing facilities visited for cover stories from June 2015 through May 2016 — made a very strong case for winning the annual award.

The application of pressure over time also influences the business world, and Lincoln, Neb.-based Universal Pasteurization Co. has demonstrated that with a bang over the last four years.

The success of Foster Farms' ambitious journey to category and industry leadership and overall excellence has earned the company the distinction of being named The National Provisioner’s 2016 Processor of the Year.

Versatile protein processor Sierra Meat & Seafood quietly has been making a name for itself in the greater Sierra Nevada region.

Where lamb processing is concerned, the team at Mountain States Rosen (MSR) believed it needed to put itself in a better position to take care of its cooperative producer members and deliver lamb product to its customers.