RAEFORD, N.C. – House of Raeford announced Thursday that it will close its turkey hatchery in Rose Hill as well as a Raeford slaughter plant and turkey growing operations in eastern North Carolina.
The company says it is will focus its resources on “increasing chicken production volumes and expanding its fully-cooked turkey and chicken product over the next two to three years, phasing out its turkey growing and slaughter operations.”
According to a press release, the shift from turkey is a result of higher corn prices. But the company says its chicken business has “grown considerably.” The company says it will work with turkey growers to determine their interest in switching to a chicken operation.
The slaughter plant currently employs 950 people and the hatchery employs 30, most of whom will be offered jobs at other company facilities.
House of Raeford says it will “proactively assist all employees affected by the decision.”
