ROSE HILL, NC. – House of Raeford Farms announced on Nov. 16 that Jim Mabe, complex manager for the West Columbia, SC, plant would retire from his position.

Mabe worked for House of Raeford since 1998 when the company purchased Columbia Farms Inc. and Columbia Farms of Georgia, which included West Columbia and the Greenville, SC, complex.

“Jim has been a stable fixture in our West Columbia operation, providing effective leadership and consistent growth for several years,” said Bob Johnson, chief executive officer and owner of House of Raeford. “We wish him the very best in his retirement.”

In his role as complex manager, Mabe oversaw the processing plant operation along with the live production in Batesburg-Leesville and Monetta, SC, including the hatchery, feed mill and relationships with contract farmers who raise chickens.

Mabe began his poultry career with Columbia Farms as plant manager in 1983 and became president and chief operating officer in 1991.  

Mabe comes from a proud family of poultry industry leaders. His father, Donald Mabe, Sr., was a former president and CEO of Perdue Farms. He was inducted into the North Carolina Poultry Hall of Fame in 1993. Jim’s brother, Don Mabe, Jr., retired as CEO of American Proteins.