Turley worked for the company for 16 years, and spent 13 of those years as president and chief operating officer. In 2004, he delayed his retirement to become the head of the international division.

Turley has agreed to work in a consultant capacity through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.

Turley, a native of Poplar Bluff, Mo., grew up on a family farm where eggs and stewing chickens provided spending money. He realized early on that he wanted a career in agriculture and business. Bob earned his degree in biological science and administration from Southeast Missouri State University and did special graduate work at UCLA in business organization and development.

Over the last three decades, he has worked with major poultry companies in the southeastern United States. A veteran manager of chicken and turkey operations, his career includes 11 years with ConAgra Foods and six years with Carolina Turkey. He worked at Perdue Farms as a manager of live production and processing complexes in the mid-1980s; and in September of 1993, returned to Perdue as president and chief operating officer.