MARSHALL, Minn. — Ralco Nutrition Inc. announced that Glenn Bader has been promoted to the role of president and CEO, replacing current president and CEO Brian Knochenmus, who will continue as owner and chairman of the board in addition to his duties as chairman of the board of The trū® Shrimp Companies Inc.
Bader steps into this role with more than 20 years of leadership and general management experience, having spent 13 years with Ralco and 17 years prior at The Schwan Food Co.
“It’s a great honor to serve our employees and our customers in this new role,” Bader said. “Ralco has amazing people dedicated to providing livestock and crop producers with a better way to raise food to meet the ever-changing demands of today’s consumer. There is no greater purpose or more noble work, and I’m looking forward to leading the Ralco team as we continue to innovate and bring new solutions to an industry that faces constant challenges.”
“We are fortunate to have someone like Glenn to lead Ralco into its next phase of growth,” Knochenmus said. “Glenn has been a key leader in this company for many years and placing him in this role allows me to spend more time focusing on the launch of the first full-scale commercial shrimp production facility for The trū Shrimp Companies.”
Ralco is a privately held, third-generation family business started in 1971. Bader is the first non-family member to lead the company.
“Our family is not stepping away from the company and has no plans to,” Knochenmus added. “Ralco has been a family business for over 50 years, and deserves a leader who values our employees, our customers, and our culture as much as we do; we believe Glenn is the right person to carry on the business with the same heart and commitment to its people and success.”
Ralco has also announced the hiring of two new poultry product specialists, Alea Belflowers and Micah Osburn. With extensive expertise and experience, Belflowers and Osburn are equipped to empower Ralco’s poultry producers for long-term success, the company noted.
Belflowers joins Ralco with a bachelor’s in animal science and a master’s in poultry science from North Carolina State University.
“I’m thrilled to be part of a company that’s so committed to not only providing the best possible products but also ensuring that our customers have all the support they need,” Belflowers said. “My top priority is to be there for our customers – no matter how big or small – to answer any questions they have and help them get the most out of our products.”
Osburn received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in poultry science from Texas A&M University.
“As the industry continues to transition away from antibiotics, it’s more important than ever to have scientifically proven natural alternatives that work,” Osburn said. “Ralco is at the forefront of developing and implementing these alternatives, and I’m excited to be part of a team that’s helping shape the future of agriculture.”
In their new positions, Belflowers and Osburn will assist poultry distributors, integrators and other producers by addressing any inquiries about Ralco products. Their main objective is to provide personalized assistance to
customers and stay updated on industry trends, enabling Ralco customers to stay at the forefront of the poultry industry.
“We are excited to welcome Alea and Micah to Ralco,” Knochenmus said. “Their passion, expertise and commitment to service make them a perfect fit for our company and our customers. We look forward to working with them both as we continue to develop and provide industry-leading poultry solutions.”
