(OKLAHOMA CITY – August 2, 2019) On August 2, 2019, okPORK will honor Jim Seward, of Tyson Foods, with their Excellence Award during the 60th annual Oklahoma Pork Congress.
Seward is an alumni of NEO A&M College in Miami, Okla., and Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla. He began working for Tyson Foods on May 23, 1977, and retired on June 1, 2019, after more than 42 years of service and loyalty to Tyson Foods and The Pork Group.
During his time with Tyson and The Pork Group, Seward was involved in sow, nursery and finishing operations in Arkansas, Alabama, North Carolina, Oklahoma and spent time in the Philippines establishing farms and training communities how to raise pigs.
Today Seward is happily enjoying his retirement and enjoys spending time with his wife and kids.
“Pigs have been a part of our family my whole life,” Seward said. “I had my first show pig when I was seven-years-old.”
Clayton Bailey, system improvement manager and sow nutrition lead at Tyson Foods, said Seward is one of the hardest working individuals he knows.
“The numerous leadership positions that Jim has assumed over his 42-year career have given Jim the experience and swine management skills that few possess,” Bailey said. “He has a tireless work ethic and has demonstrated the ability to lead both farm managers and contract producers to be successful.”
Seward said he was shocked and surprised to hear about his peers nominating him for the okPORK Excellence Award.
“I felt quite honored when I heard the news at my retirement party,” Seward said. “There are a lot of people in this industry and I know some who have received this award in the past. I hope I can live up to what they did.”
Jim has been an enthusiastic and highly engaged member of the community. He has volunteered many hours of his time and energy working on projects that would support local schools and churches. He has been actively involved in the Arkansas Pork Council serving as both a board member and president, as well as serving on various committees for the National Pork Board. He has always been the first to lend a hand (or a grill) to any fundraiser or charity event being held.
