On December 10, the Daviess County CEO Cohort had the unique opportunity to step inside Perdue Farms, a household name known nationwide for its poultry products. Serving as the cohort’s final business visit before Christmas break, the experience was a memorable and meaningful way to close out the semester.
The group was warmly welcomed by Sara Welsh and her team, whose enthusiasm set the tone for an engaging and informative visit. Sara provided an in-depth look at the Washington plant, introducing students to the early stages of chicken processing and offering insight into the extensive operations that exist far beyond what consumers typically see on their dinner tables.
At the core of Perdue Farms’ success are four guiding values: Quality, Integrity, Teamwork, and Stewardship. These principles are woven into every aspect of the company’s operations, influencing decisions from production practices to community involvement. Throughout the visit, it was clear that Perdue’s commitment to these values plays a vital role in maintaining its reputation for excellence.
A key highlight of the visit was learning about Perdue’s vertical integration strategy, which allows the company to oversee every step of the process—from farm to table. This approach helps ensure consistent quality, sustainability, and accountability. The cohort also enjoyed sampling Perdue’s “Chomps” turkey sticks, made with turkey sourced locally from the Washington facility.
Sara also emphasized the importance of brand awareness, particularly for new and growing businesses. She shared how building a recognizable and trusted brand contributes to long-term success, referencing Frank Perdue’s iconic phrase, “It takes a tough man to make a tender chicken,” as a lasting example of strong brand identity and commitment to quality.
In addition to business insights, the cohort gained valuable leadership lessons. Students were encouraged to challenge the status quo and continuously seek improvement, to be reliable and trustworthy, and to understand their personal purpose by asking, “Why am I here?” Sara highlighted the importance of curiosity, urging students to keep asking “why,” and stressed the power of personal connections—reminding them that hearing one’s name is often the sweetest sound. Finally, she emphasized selfless leadership, noting that effective leaders must focus on serving their team rather than themselves.
The cohort expressed sincere gratitude for the opportunity to learn from the dedicated professionals at Perdue Farms. The visit reinforced that Perdue is not only defined by the products it produces, but by the values, strategies, and people who bring those products to life.
