The transition is scheduled to begin Oct. 7.

The winner of the competition will be invited to participate in the Smithfield King of the Smoker competition in December.

Investigators said the company is responding to the situation.

Municipal government ordered the plant to close for six weeks in light of a second outbreak of ASF.

The brand has been a sponsor of the fair since 1999.

Acquisitions and economic changes led headlines for the month.

The company is closing the oldest ham smokehouse in Smithfield, Virginia.

The items were packaged under the Stefano Foods label.

Local outlets reported the expansion will be $12.5 million.

The company launched the new product to coincide with the Fourth of July.