Blake D. Lovette

Blake Lovette was one of seven children growing up on his family’s farm in Millers Creek, North Carolina. Growing up, Blake’s parents taught him a keen worth ethic as he worked with his siblings to help maintain the family farm.

After graduating in 1965 from NC State University, Blake began his long and successful career in the poultry industry. After working for two years with Holly Farms, Blake became a plant manager and in 1976 was named Executive VP. In 1978, he left Holly Farms and moved to Arkansas to become the Executive VP of Valmac Industries, Inc. Only a year later, Blake was named CEO. During his six years with Valmac, he developed a line of prepared products. In 1985, Blake left Valmac to work for Perdue Farms as President of Perdue’s Shenandoah Products Corp. Three years later, Blake returned to Holly Farms to serve as their President and Chief Operating Officer. Blake held this top position with Holly Farms through the transition period in which Tyson Foods acquired Holly Farms.

In the fall of 1990 Blake left Tyson Foods and bought the company his father started. Renamed the Lovette Egg Company, Blake owned and operated the wholesale meat and poultry distributor until he sold it to ConAgra Poultry Company in 1998. Blake served as President of ConAgra from 1998 until he retired in 2003. That same year, ConAgra was acquired by Pilgrim’s Pride.

Although Blake Lovette is retired he is still active in the poultry industry and in his community. Blake currently works as a consultant for the poultry industry and owns his own Auto Spa. Blake serves as a board member for Morris & Associates, the Chairman fo the Wilkes Economic Development Corp., and was the Chairman of the Wilkes Regional Medical Center Board for eight years. He is a dedicated church member and has been a strong supporter of the Rainbow Center of Wilkes, Health Foundation, Yadkin River Greenway, and other local organizations.

In addition to being a dedicated worker and community member, Blake is a true family man. He was married to Julia Wooten Lovette for 45 years, until she passed away in 2008. Blake has three daughters; Sena, Angela, and Amy. When the poultry industry isn’t occupying Blake’s time, he enjoys spending time with his six grandchildren. Throughout his career, Blake has been a dedicated professional and has made significant contributions to the poultry industry of North Carolina.

November, 2010