The National Protein and Food Distributors Association (NPFDA) honored House of Raeford Farms’ CEO and Owner, Robert C. (Bob) Johnson, with the organization’s 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award during its annual meeting. Surrounded by business associates, friends, and family, Johnson was celebrated for a lifetime of service and leadership within the poultry industry.
Following in the footsteps of his father—who received the same award in 2007—and his grandfather before him, Bob’s career began humbly on the processing line of his family’s turkey operation. Over the decades, he rose to become CEO and owner of one of the nation’s top ten broiler production companies. His leadership shaped not only House of Raeford but also the broader protein industry, guided by values of integrity, honesty, and trust. Those principles influenced how people work, grow, and serve their communities across the region.
Yet Bob’s vision extended beyond House of Raeford’s 70-year legacy in chicken and turkey production. He began to consider how the company’s resources could be used to create meaningful change. That reflection led to the founding of House of Raeford Farms FLOCK in 2010—a nonprofit dedicated to feeding the hungry, supporting youth development, and advancing mental health and addiction recovery initiatives.
As House of Raeford and FLOCK continue their work, Bob’s example serves as a guiding light—showing how business, service, and compassion can come together to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. His legacy continues to inspire those committed to feeding communities, supporting families, and building a stronger future for the protein sector.
