In recent months, several major corporations have made the controversial decision to roll back their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. Among the most notable are Tractor Supply Company, Harley Davidson, Ford, Jack Daniels, and Lowe’s—brands that many Americans interact with regularly. For many in the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, these decisions represent not just a rollback of company values, but also a step backward in the fight for equality and representation.
For us, as an LGBTQ+ owned farm, these changes have a personal and practical impact. We’ve built our homestead around principles of sustainability, community, and inclusion, and we believe that the businesses we support should reflect those values. DEI policies matter—not just as corporate buzzwords, but as genuine commitments to fostering an environment where everyone is treated with respect, regardless of their background.
The Importance of DEI Policies
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are about more than just optics—they’re about ensuring that businesses provide equal opportunities, fair treatment, and a safe space for all employees and customers, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background. For marginalized communities, DEI policies are a commitment from corporations that they are seen, valued, and supported.
When a company reverses these policies, it sends a message that inclusion is not a priority. It undermines years of progress toward creating diverse, equitable workplaces and consumer experiences. For businesses in industries like agriculture and construction—fields that have historically been dominated by cisgender, heterosexual men—DEI initiatives are crucial in promoting broader access and acceptance for marginalized groups.
Why These Rollbacks Hit Home
While some of the companies that have rolled back DEI policies don’t directly affect us (like Jack Daniels and Harley Davidson), others hit much closer to home. Tractor Supply and Lowe’s, in particular, are two businesses we’ve frequently relied on for our homesteading needs. From building supplies to farm equipment, these companies have long been staples in rural communities like ours. Their decisions to abandon DEI initiatives feel like a betrayal of the values we hold dear, especially as we work hard to create an inclusive and welcoming farm environment for everyone.
We’ve come to a crossroads. As much as these stores offer convenience, their stance on DEI policies no longer aligns with our commitment to inclusivity. This has given us the push we need to rethink where we spend our money, not just as consumers, but as a business that wants to support ethical and inclusive practices.
Our New Approach: Supporting Local and Smaller Businesses
In light of these rollbacks, we’ve made the conscious decision to move away from supporting companies that don’t prioritize DEI. While this shift hasn’t been without its challenges, it’s pushing us to make more intentional decisions about where we spend our money.
- Local Feed Store: We’re fortunate to have Graham Feed Company as a local resource. For years, they’ve supplied our farm with everything from animal feed to seeds and egg cartons. Their commitment to the local community makes them an easy choice over larger corporate chains, and we’re proud to support a small business that’s as invested in our region as we are.
- Rural King: While Rural King is still a larger corporate chain, we haven’t found any reports of them rolling back their DEI policies. For the time being, we still feel safe shopping there for tools and other farm equipment, though we remain open to finding smaller, independent retailers to replace them in the future.
- Menards: After the Lowe’s rollback, we switched to Menards for our lumber and building supply needs. Like Rural King, they haven’t made any moves to undo their DEI policies, and while they’re still a large corporation, it’s a step in the right direction as we seek more ethical purchasing options.
- Smaller Retailers: We’re also actively seeking out smaller, more independent businesses for future purchases. While it’s not always financially feasible to drive an hour away for a small order, we’re more than willing to do so for larger orders that justify the trip. By shifting our focus to smaller, more local suppliers, we’re not only aligning with our values but also reinvesting in the community around us.
Why We Can’t Ignore DEI Rollbacks
At first glance, some might wonder why we would bother making these changes. After all, we’re just one small farm, and companies like Tractor Supply and Lowe’s seem untouchable. But the truth is, change starts at the grassroots level. As individuals, families, and small businesses, we have more power than we realize to influence the marketplace.
When we shift our spending to support businesses that align with our values, we send a clear message: DEI policies matter. We want to live in a world where everyone—regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation—is treated fairly and with respect. By choosing not to support companies that reverse their DEI initiatives, we’re helping to create that world, one purchase at a time.
Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Community and Sustainability
Ultimately, this shift in how we do business is about more than just DEI policies—it’s about aligning with our broader commitment to sustainability and community. Supporting local businesses strengthens the economy, reduces our environmental footprint, and fosters a sense of connection with our neighbors. These are values that have always been at the core of our farm, and they’re more important now than ever.
While navigating these changes hasn’t always been easy, it’s reaffirming our belief that we can live and work in ways that reflect our values. Our homestead has always been a place where everyone is welcome, and we want the businesses we support to share that same ethos. By moving away from companies that don’t prioritize inclusion, we’re taking another step toward creating the kind of world we want to live in.
No Turning Back
The DEI policy rollback has been a wake-up call for us, and while we don’t have all the answers, we know one thing for sure: We’re not going back. From this point forward, we’re committed to supporting businesses that value diversity, equity, and inclusion. Whether it’s a local feed store or a small independent retailer, we’re ready to make the changes necessary to align our farm’s values with the companies we support.
It’s not about perfection, but progress. By standing firm in our commitment to DEI, we’re not just building a better farm—we’re contributing to a better future for everyone.
