Tractor Supply no longer going woke, eliminates DEI goals
Tractor Supply is backpedaling from a slew of initiatives that some social media users and customers had slammed as "woke" in recent weeks.
Tractor Supply is getting rid of several initiatives that some social media users and customers have slammed as "woke" in recent weeks.
The farming supplies retailer, which is headquartered in Tennessee, on Thursday said it "will ensure our activities and giving tie directly to our business" moving forward.
Tractor Supply said it will cease sponsorship of "nonbusiness activities" such as Pride festivals and voting campaigns, with intentions to focus more on "rural America priorities."
Agricultural education, veterans and animal welfare were among the causes it identified.
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The company said it will drop diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goals it had previously set for itself. DEI positions at Tractor Supply will also get axed, according to the company. It will also cease sending data to the Human Rights Campaign, an LBGTQ advocacy group.
Additionally, the farming supplies retailer plans to prioritize land and water conservation initiatives, scuttling aims of curbing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and reaching net-zero by the decade after that.
"We work hard to live up to our mission and values every day and represent the values of the communities and customers we serve," Tractor Supply said in its statement. "We have heard from customers that we have disappointed them. We have taken this feedback to heart."
Some pages on Tractor Supply’s website related to its carbon emissions reduction and DEI efforts also redirected Friday to a photo of a Tractor Supply store.
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Tractor Supply has been receiving heat from political activist Robby Starbuck and others about "woke" initiatives in place at the company. He urged Tractor Supply customers earlier in the month to spend their money elsewhere "until Tractor Supply makes REAL changes."
Shares of Tractor Supply have fallen about 3% in the past month. Since Friday’s opening bell, the stock price has gone up over 2%.
The company last reported quarterly financial results in late April.
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At the time, Tractor Supply forecast it would bring in $14.7 billion to $15.1 billion in net sales for the fiscal year. Annual net income was expected to be in the $1.06 billion to $1.13 billion range.