Editorial: Tractor Supply does it right
Tennessee-based Tractor Supply Co. does not immediately come to mind when we think of companies that embrace environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities. If anything, Tractor Supply would be considered a conservative-leaning business that serves rural Americans and advocates for programs honoring veterans while making donations to law-enforcement organizations.
But in 2020 and 2021, Tractor Supply joined so many other corporations by announcing “zero-emission” targets, enacting race-based hiring and promotion goals, and partnering with the far-left Human Rights Watch.
Similar to the successful campaigns against Target, BlackRock, and other companies, conservatives pushed back. Robby Starbuck raised attention on social media by publicizing Tractor Supply’s ESG statements and its push for race-based human resource decisions.
Then, something happened that we haven’t seen before. Unlike in the cases of Target or BlackRock, Tractor Supply surveyed the response of customers and team members — and acted.
The company acknowledged last week that it had disappointed customers with progressive politics, and announced that it would unequivocally abandon diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) roles, “zero-emissions” goals, and partnerships with progressive organizations. Tractor Supply said “going forward, we will ensure our activities and giving tie directly to our business.”
Tractor Supply was condemned by progressive activists but praised by conservatives, such as Chris Rufo, Sean Davis, Donald Trump, Jr., and many others. The praise is well-deserved. If every company followed Tractor Supply’s lead, America would be far better off.
Conservatives are not asking Tractor Supply to join our cause by donating to Gun Owners for America or by sponsoring the Manhattan Institute — although we would certainly welcome that. Our ask is simple: stay out of politics, serve your customers, and give us a place to shop where none of our money funds causes we oppose.
Tractor Supply did exactly that and they should be commended. We should make sure Tractor Supply’s employees, leadership, team members, and investors see that this change isn’t just the right thing to do, but that it’s good for business, and that other companies should follow suit. So, if you need a patriotic Adirondack chair for the Fourth — or even a new tractor — try Tractor Supply.