Mr Logsdon, the current Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Product Supply and Operations, will succeed Maschhoff, who will continue to serve as the company’s Chairman.

Mr Maschhoff said: “The Maschhoff family congratulates Jason and wishes him great success in this new role. In his nine years with the company, he has proven himself capable and ready for this opportunity. I look forward to working with him as Chairman.”

Mr Logsdon, 36, joined The Maschhoffs as Chief Financial Officer in 2003. Along with Ken Maschhoff and Dr Bradley Wolter, Chief Operating Officer, he has been a part of the company’s executive committee since 2006. He added the responsibility of Executive Vice President of Product Supply and Operations in 2010. He is a 1998 graduate of the University of Illinois with a Bachelors of Science degree in Agricultural Economics and previously worked at Merrill Lynch.

Mr Logsdon said: “It is a privilege to work for such a great family with uncompromising integrity and strong values. I look forward to leading this company as we continue to apply world-class innovation and animal husbandry to create value for our customers.”

Mr Maschhoff, 52, has served as General Manager of the family business since 1982 and Chief Executive Officer since 1992, when his father Wayne A. Maschhoff, turned over ownership of the family farm to Ken and his brother Dave Maschhoff. Both Maschhoff brothers will continue to play active roles in the family business.

Ken Maschhoff added: “My life-long passion has been creating a family-owned pork production business that can serve as a legacy company for our employees as well as our Production Partners. I look forward to increased opportunities to interact with our employees and Production Partners as we continue to strengthen and grow our family business.”