Showalter, Ruel J, 355 S Sunset Dr, Broadway, VA 22815, US

The newly formed, Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative acquired the Pilgrim's Pride turkey processing operation in Hinton, Va., in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, for more than $35 million. The newly formed cooperative will keep the plant, which can process 8 million poultry annually, operating under farmer ownership. Also purchased as part of the deal is a feed mill in Broadway, Va. The cooperative will continue to processes whole birds and turkey breasts and focus on deli turkey products. The cooperative will be phasing in de-boning operations to produce more processed parts. The cooperative has developed business agreements and partners in the high-end meat processing industry.