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Robert C. “Bob” Johnson, CEO and Owner of House of Raeford Farms was inducted into The North Carolina Poultry Federation Hall of Fame on April 25. He joins his grandfather, Nash Johnson (1977), and father, E. Marvin Johnson (1998), in receiving this distinguished recognition.
The North Carolina Poultry Federation (NCPF) has represented the poultry industry in North Carolina since 1968. Serving producers and processors of chicken, turkey and egg products, the Federation provides a united voice for the industry with government, media, and the general public. Since 1975 the Federation has recognized poultry industry pioneers and leaders through induction into the Hall of Fame.
Under Bob Johnson’s leadership, House of Raeford has consistently been one of the ten largest chicken producers nationally. The organization also ranks as one of the leading revenue producing companies in North Carolina.
Bob has taken an active leadership role in the poultry industry serving on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Poultry Federation, the National Chicken Council, and the International Poultry and Egg Association.
He also strongly believes in giving back to the communities where House of Raeford has operations through monetary and product donations as well as personal involvement. As part of this outreach, Bob’s vision spearheaded the founding of House of Raeford Farms FLOCK (Faithful Love Offering for Christ’s Kingdom) in 2009, a non-profit charitable organization focused on youth development, feeding the hungry, and support for mental health and addiction recovery programs.
In accepting the honor, Bob thanked the Federation for this distinction and shared some personal thoughts. “As I look at this list of Hall of Fame inductees, I see so many that I have admired over the years. Especially my grandfather Nash and my father. I learned so much from them including to always do the right thing. Something I try to live by each day.”
J. Walter “Gator” Pelletier III
Also inducted into the Hall of Fame was J. Walter “Gator” Pelletier III who began his career with Goldsboro Milling Company in 1981, rising to president of the organization in 2014. When the company purchased its interest in Butterball operations in 2006, Gator continued to invest his time, expertise, and leadership skills into this new business venture. He continues to serve on Butterball’s Board of Directors.
Continuing the legacy of the Johnson family, Bob’s son Cowan Johnson currently serves as president of the NCPF and president of House of Raeford’s Ready-to-Cook and Further Processing Divisions and Sales.
Cowan Johnson
“Today, we gather to celebrate the incredible contributions of two outstanding individuals who have made lasting impacts on the poultry industry,” Cowan shared at the induction ceremony. “Their dedication, leadership, and tireless efforts have shaped not only the success of their respective companies but have also influenced the growth and development of the entire industry here in North Carolina.”
Four generations of the Johnson family have served the employees and customers of House of Raeford since 1955. With Bob Johnson at the helm, the company is poised for continued growth and impact in communities across the southeast, awaiting the fifth generation to come aboard.
L-R: Bob Johnson, Marvin Johnson, Nash Johnson, L-R: Cowan Johnson, Bob Johnson, Carol Luanne
Cowan Johnson & son Robert Johnson Sholar, Nash Johnson