Tractor Supply Co. backs off ‘woke’ policies after backlash: ‘We have taken this feedback to heart’

Rather than go broke, a merchant isn’t going woke.

One of America’s leading rural-supply merchants announced Thursday that it is ending all “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion” programs and will no longer support LGBTQ and global warming causes.

Tractor Supply Co. posted a statement on social media detailing its new direction after three weeks of social media and other backlash over the previous attachments to left-wing causes that are not popular with its customer base.

“We work hard to live up to our mission and values every day and represent the values of the communities and customers we serve. We have heard from customers that we have disappointed them. We have taken this feedback to heart. Going forward, we will ensure our activities and giving tie directly to our business,” the company wrote Thursday.

The statement included five bullet points distancing the company from a series of policies under CEO Hal Lawton that were highlighted recently by journalist Robby Starbuck.

The bullet points undo much of what Mr. Starbuck had reported on.

Henceforth, Tractor Supply will “eliminate DEI roles and retire our current DEI goals while still ensuring a respectful environment.”

The company said its corporate giving would “focus on rural America priorities, including ag education, animal welfare, veteran causes and being a good neighbor and stop sponsoring non-business activities like pride festivals and voting campaigns.”

The Tennessee company also will break from the widespread U.S. corporate practice of submitting data to the Human Rights Campaign for the Corporate Equality Index score that the LGBTQ lobby group issues.

Global warming efforts are also gone, as Tractor Supply promised to “withdraw our carbon emission goals, and focus on our land and water conservation efforts.”

“We will continue to listen to our customers and team members. Your trust and confidence in us are the upmost importance, and we don’t take that lightly,” the company statement concluded.