Craig Hannas started working for Rockingham Poultry Co-op on October 26, 1987. He was interviewed and hired by Walt Shafer as a management trainee, and then was immediately assigned by Walt to do special projects. He still remembers his first assignment, which was checking feed withdrawals on broiler flocks.
This assignment required a move to Live Production to work with Doug Hester, who was the Live Production Manager. They would visit farms to make sure feed was withdrawn at the proper times. This project led to an improvement of the condemned birds at the plant and resulted in a position created to keep the project going. It was at this time and the exposure to the live production areas that Craig realized his passion for the department and worked there for the next 37 ½ years.
Craig’s live production career started in the broiler department, where he worked for three years as a housing coordinator. A transfer to the breeder department followed where he was a Breeder and Pullet Service Technician until he was promoted to the Breeder Manager position in September 2019.
I asked Craig about any memorable events he remembers and he said one started right away by the change from Rockingham Co-op to the purchase by Wampler Foods. He also recalls the bankruptcy period in 2001 and eventually the purchase of Pilgrim’s by JBS.
Craig talked about the supervisors and managers who made an impact on him and he had a long list. His most respected and admired supervisor was his breeder manager, Jim Wright, at the start of his servicing breeders. “He was one of a kind,” he said. Throughout the years, his supervisors and managers included many different styles and personalities. He had a lot of respect for Walt Shafer and Doug Hester. He also highly respected Dave Coyle, who was Breeder Manager before Craig accepted the position. Other notable managers over the years were Peyton Umstot, Alan Chambers, Mike Ellington and presently John Brumback.
When Craig is not at work, he likes to spend his time with his grandchildren, as well as hunting, trapping and fishing. He also enjoys playing horseshoes and is currently on a local horseshoe league.
What does the future hold for Craig? Well, Craig just retired on April 4. He will be enjoying his retirement with Desiree and plans to complete a long list of projects around the house. He also wants to do more hunting, trapping and fishing. He will take advantage of the extra time to spoil his grandchildren, Liam, Olivia and Blair even more! Craig said he will certainly miss his co-workers of many years and he values all their friendship.
Thank you, Craig, for your dedication, hard work and loyalty to our Company and enjoy your retirement! We appreciate you!
