In this episode of CEO’s of the Industry, Jim Eadie sits down with John Prestage, CEO of Prestage Farms, one of the largest family-owned pork and poultry companies in the United States. From its beginnings under founder Bill Prestage to its evolution into a multi-state, vertically integrated protein company, this conversation explores what it takes to scale responsibly while staying rooted in family values. John shares how Prestage Farms balances growth, culture, and innovation across both pork and poultry, and how leadership transitions within a family business can strengthen — not dilute — a company’s mission. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Prestage Farms has grown in size, scale, and geographic reach The leadership principles passed down from Bill Prestage and how they guide decision-making today The importance of North Carolina agriculture and community involvement Managing growth across pork and poultry with different operational challenges Building a people-first culture across multiple states and facilities How Prestage Farms is adapting to pressures around sustainability, biosecurity, labour, and regulation John’s perspective on key industry issues shaping the future of pork production Plus: The Fast Five with John Prestage Quick, personal insights on leadership, industry challenges, and what defines Prestage Farms today.
