Hormel Sells Turkey Operations To Willmar’s LifeScience Innovations

Hormel Foods Sells Whole-Turkey Business to Life-Science Innovations

Hormel Foods is reshaping its turkey business.

The Austin-based food company has announced it will sell its whole-turkey operations — currently part of the Jennie-O brand — to Willmar-based Life-Science Innovations (LSI), a company focused on turkey production, nutrition, and agricultural research.

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Why Is Hormel Selling?

In announcing the move, Hormel interim CEO Jeff Ettinger said the decision aligns with the company’s long-term strategy.

Hormel is working to grow its portfolio of value-added protein products — items that typically carry steadier margins — while reducing exposure to more volatile, commodity-driven segments like whole birds.

Ettinger said the company believes this portion of its legacy turkey business “will be in good hands” under LSI’s ownership, citing the company’s deep experience in turkey production.

What’s Included in the Sale?

As part of the agreement, Life-Science Innovations will acquire:

• The whole-turkey production facility in Melrose

• The feed mill in Swanville

LSI is headquartered at the Minn-West Technology Campus in Willmar and operates a collection of companies connected to turkey growing, nutrition, and research.

LSI CEO Richard Huisinga called the deal a continuation of a 75-year relationship with Jennie-O. He said the agreement will combine the company’s state-of-the-art hen plant, Minnesota grower families, and its first-of-its-kind turkey hatchery.

What Happens Next?

Hormel will continue using the Jennie-O brand name across its other poultry product lines. In addition, LSI will assist in co-producing whole turkey products for Hormel through the end of fiscal year 2026. Company leaders say that arrangement is designed to prevent supply disruptions for Hormel customers.

Financial terms of the sale were not disclosed. More details are expected when Hormel releases its earnings report later this month.