Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S., has announced significant changes to its corporate policies. The Brentwood, Tennessee-based company will eliminate its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) roles, retract its carbon emissions goals, and cease sponsorship of Pride events. This move follows a concerted pressure campaign from right-wing activists, which culminated in these sweeping revisions.
The campaign against Tractor Supply was spearheaded by Robby Starbuck, a conservative activist and former political candidate. Using social media platforms, he highlighted the company’s DEI hiring practices, Pride Month decorations, and climate initiatives, urging fellow conservatives to voice their disapproval and boycott the retailer. The campaign appeared effective, reportedly causing a 5% drop in the company’s share price over the past month.
In a statement shared on social media, Tractor Supply acknowledged customer feedback and announced its decision to realign its activities and giving priorities with its business. Moving forward, the company will no longer submit data to the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ advocacy group, and will retire its DEI roles and goals. Instead, it will focus on land and water conservation efforts and prioritize rural America initiatives such as education, animal welfare, and veteran causes.
The decision has garnered significant support from conservative circles, with many applauding Tractor Supply for what they view as a return to traditional values. However, the response has also sparked considerable backlash. Many users on social media expressed their disappointment, pledging to boycott the retailer. Notably, the move has drawn criticism from groups like the Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, and the National Black Farmers Association.
Tractor Supply, known for its extensive range of products including farm supplies, animal feed, tools, and clothing across more than 2,200 stores in 49 states, has traditionally been recognized as an inclusive and diverse workplace. It has earned accolades such as inclusion in Bloomberg’s Gender Equality Index and Newsweek’s list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity. However, the company recently became a target for conservative critics who argued that its DEI initiatives and climate change activism were at odds with the values of its core customer base.
