ConAgra Foods Inc., named André J. Hawaux, currently executive vice president and chief financial officer, as president, Consumer Foods. In addition, the company named John F. Gehring, currently senior vice president and controller, as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Joie A. Gregor was appointed to the company’s board of directors.

The Dannon Co. Inc. appointed Eric F. O’Toole as its senior vice president of sales and Ken Strick as vice president of legal affairs and general counsel.

Monty Henderson, George’s Inc., Springdale, AR, was elected chairman of the board of directors of US Poultry & Egg Association at its meeting during the 2009 International Poultry Expo. He had previously served as its vice chairman. 

Archer Daniels Midland Co. and Igene Biotechnology Inc. have formed a joint venture, Naturxan LLC, to produce natural-source astaxanthin, a naturally derived alternative to synthetic astaxanthin, which is widely used in the aquaculture industry.

General Mills will eliminate, by August 2009, milk sourced from cows treated with rBST in the production of its category-leading Yoplait yogurts.

Barry-Wehmiller appointed John S. Stroup to the company’s board of directors.

Don Jackson, president and chief executive officer of Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., has been elected to the company’s board of directors. Jackson joined the company on an interim basis last month and his appointment as president and CEO was approved by the US Bankruptcy Court. Prior to accepting his position with Pilgrim’s Pride, he served as president of Foster Farms’ poultry division.