Sanderson Farms celebrates its female workforce throughout March
Fresh and frozen chicken producer Sanderson Farms is celebrating its female workforce all month long.
The producer of private brand chicken product has launched a social campaign highlighting women at the company in various roles, featuring them in a social post and linking to a short profile about them. The posts feature the tag: #WomenInAg. The company, based in Laurel, Miss., said 48% of its employees are women and more than 22% of its management team are female.
“Historically, the industry itself has been predominantly male, but it is changing for the better,” said Rachel Hardison, second processing manager for Sanderson Farms and one of the women being featured in the campaign. “The company itself has changed a lot even over the years. More females than ever are now in higher positions than 12 years ago when I started.”
Sanderson Farms has been recognized for its commitment to women at its company, for eight straight years being named a Winning “W” Company by advocacy and education group Women on Boards.
#WomenInAG featured women
The month-long social media celebration is to line up with International Women’s Day on March 8.
“Our company is a big proponent of hiring, promoting, and including women in leadership positions, due to their unique perspectives, talent and strong work ethic,” said Lampkin Butts, president and chief operating officer of Sanderson Farms. “Through this special public campaign, we hope to draw attention to some of the amazing women who help make up what was once considered a male-dominated industry,” continued Butts. “We gain so much from their expertise and viewpoint. They are truly an asset to our company and the industry as a whole.”
Sanderson Farms was founded in 1947 and employs 17,000 employees in five states. It’s the third largest poultry producer in the United States.