Murphy Family announces return to independent pork production 

Murphy Family Ventures and Smithfield recently announced a transformative agreement that will revive the iconic Murphy family farming business, originally established by Wendell Murphy in 1962.

Recognized as a pioneer in the modern swine industry, this venture represents one of the most significant independent pork producers in the country. 

According to the announcement, through this agreement, Murphy Family Ventures will create a Murphy-owned farming operation with the capacity to produce 3.2 million hogs annually for Smithfield’s fresh pork operations. With the Murphy family maintaining majority ownership, the company will acquire 150,000 sows – along with the market hogs they produce – currently held by Smithfield. 

In addition, Smithfield will provide vital production services, including feed and transportation, ensuring a seamless operation. 

“The Murphy family has enjoyed the past 24 years as a contract growing partner with Smithfield and we look forward to restoring our heritage as an independent producer,” said Dell Murphy, president and CEO of Murphy Family Ventures. “This agreement represents a generational transfer of independently owned swine production capabilities in North Carolina.”

Shane Smith, president and CEO of Smithfield Foods notes that over the last decade Smithfield has evolved into a streamlined consumer packaged goods company focusing on delivering value-added and packaged meats from a portfolio of top-quality brands.

“With this agreement, we continue this transformation while ensuring a supply of hogs from a family farming operation with a long history in and a strong commitment to best practices in American pork production,” said Smith.

Murphy Family Ventures and Smithfield are poised to finalize this strategic transaction by the end of the year, marking a significant milestone in American agriculture.