WAYNE-SANDERSON FARMS AND VESTWELL COLLABORATE TO CREATE RETIREMENT SAVINGS PROGRAM FOR FARMERS

OAKWOOD, Ga., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wayne-Sanderson Farms today announced its partnership with Vestwell to launch a new retirement savings program designed specifically for the Company's over 2,000 farm partners. This collaboration underscores a significant step toward bridging the savings gap for agricultural workers, one of the American economy's most essential yet traditionally underserved sectors.

Farmers work tirelessly to feed the nation, yet many lack access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, while many farmers have some form of retirement savings, their overall balances tend to be lower than the national average. Without structured savings options such as retirement, emergency, and education savings, many face financial uncertainty in their later years.

Through this partnership, farmers working with Wayne-Sanderson Farms can now participate in a Group of Plans (GoP) retirement program powered by Vestwell and tailored to fit their individual needs. This approach makes saving for the future easier and more affordable by lowering administrative costs and simplifying the process for both farmers and employers, ensuring that farmers can build the financial security they need for the future. This initiative reflects a growing movement to extend financial benefits to historically underserved industries.

"At Wayne-Sanderson Farms, we care about the well-being of the farmers who play an integral role in our process to deliver the best quality chicken to the marketplace," said Jeremy Kilburn, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer of Wayne-Sanderson Farms. "Our partnership with Vestwell has allowed us to create an opportunity for our farmers to be able to plan for their future. We are proud to support their ability to save for retirement with confidence and peace of mind."

With Vestwell's platform, Wayne-Sanderson Farms is able to offer its network of farmers a scalable, efficient, and affordable savings program to more easily save for retirement. The Company has appointed a select group of farmers to serve on a dedicated committee tasked with overseeing the execution of the program. This committee will play an integral role in ensuring that the program is implemented in a way that directly addresses the needs of its farmers and delivers value to the farming community. 

"Farmers are at the heart of our country, yet they've often been overlooked when it comes to retirement savings. At Vestwell, our goal is to ensure hardworking Americans, including those in agriculture, have the opportunity to build financial security," said Aaron Schumm, Founder and CEO of Vestwell. "Our partnership with Wayne-Sanderson Farms is an important step in providing farmers with the support they deserve."

About Wayne-Sanderson Farms
Wayne-Sanderson Farms is an industry leader and the nation's third-largest poultry producer, serving customers, consumers and communities with integrity, leadership and responsible farm, workplace and business practices. With a diverse portfolio of products, a strong operating culture and an industry-leading workforce of more than 26,000 people and over 2,000 farm partners, Wayne-Sanderson Farms owns and operates 23 fresh and further-processing facilities across Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas. Wayne-Sanderson Farms produces affordable, high-quality poultry products for retail, foodservice, restaurant, industrial and institutional segments under the brand names of SANDERSON FARMS® COVINGTON FARMS®, NAKED TRUTH®, BUFFALOOS®, FLY'N SAUCERS®, CRISPY FLIERS®, PLATINUM HARVEST®, CHEF'S CRAFT®, WAYNE FARMS®, and WAYNE-SANDERSON FARMS®. For more information, visit WayneSandersonFarms.com or follow Wayne-Sanderson Farms on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram.

About Vestwell
Vestwell is the backbone of the modern American savings economy. Vestwell is a financial technology company that makes it easier for more Americans to save for life's most important moments - from retirement to education and healthcare. Founded in 2016, Vestwell's platform removes traditional barriers to saving, making it accessible, efficient, and approachable for everyone.

Vestwell provides a comprehensive suite of workplace savings solutions, including retirement plans, student loan repayment benefits, and specialized accounts for education, emergencies, and disability savings.

Trusted by financial advisers, employers, payroll providers, financial institutions, and government agencies, Vestwell empowers nearly 1.5 million savers across over 350,000 businesses nationwide, with over $30 billion in assets under management. With a commitment to closing the savings gap and fostering a secure financial future for all, Vestwell provides an elevated and accessible savings technology everyone deserves.

For more information, visit vestwell.com.

SOURCE Wayne-Sanderson Farms