Wayne-Sanderson Farms has officially acquired Harrison Poultry, a Georgia based poultry processor recognized for its “Golden Goodness” line of traditional, and international chicken products. The transaction, now in effect, includes the complete transfer of all Harrison Poultry assets to Wayne-Sanderson Farms. This encompasses live production operations, hatcheries, feed mills, manufacturing plants, production lines, and transportation infrastructure associated with Harrison’s facilities in Bethlehem and Crawfordville, Georgia.
According to a joint announcement, integration of the two companies has begun immediately. Wayne-Sanderson Farms emphasized that the transition is expected to be smooth, with minimal impact on day to day operations. Employees, partners, and customers are not anticipated to experience disruptions during this phase.
Kevin McDaniel, President and CEO of Wayne-Sanderson Farms, affirmed the compatibility between the two organizations.
“We are proud to welcome the Harrison Poultry team into the Wayne-Sanderson Farms family. We are well matched. Wayne-Sanderson Farms is known for quality people, quality farm partners and quality products, and so is Harrison Poultry. We expect the transition to be practically seamless.”
Kevin McDaniel will continue to serve as President and CEO of Wayne-Sanderson Farms after the acquisition. Jim Skidmore, President and CEO of Harrison Poultry, echoed that sentiment, noting the family’s confidence in the decision.
“On behalf of the family of Mr. Harrison, I want to thank everyone involved in making Harrison Poultry the successful company that it is today. Our primary focus with this transaction from the start has been making sure this was right for our people, our farmers, and our customers. With Wayne-Sanderson Farms, we found the right partner to build on the legacy that Mr. Harrison left.”
History and Legacy of Harrison Poultry
Harrison Poultry was founded in 1958 by R. Harold Harrison and has been in continuous operation ever since. Harrison, an early adopter of integrated poultry management techniques, guided the company’s early expansion and operational structure. Following his passing, his family continued to grow the business, investing heavily in operations and contributing millions to the rural economy in Georgia.
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According to WATTPoultry.com’s Top Poultry Companies Database, Harrison Poultry ranked as the 21st largest poultry processor in the United States. The company reported processing 5.66 million pounds of ready to cook chicken weekly in the past year. In 2023, Harrison Poultry increased its production output by 20% and expanded its workforce by 200 employees, reinforcing its regional and national footprint within the poultry sector.
Strategic Considerations Behind the Deal
Wayne-Sanderson Farms initiated discussions around the acquisition earlier in 2025 as part of a broader strategic growth initiative. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted to assess the compatibility of the two companies’ operations, employee cultures, and market approaches. The leadership concluded that the businesses offered complementary products and organizational alignment, creating a suitable foundation for consolidation.
Wayne-Sanderson Farms was formed in 2022 through the merger of Wayne Farms and Sanderson Farms. Since its formation, it has become the third largest poultry producer in the United States, with a reported weekly output of 148.8 million pounds of ready to cook chicken. The acquisition of Harrison Poultry marks another step in the company’s growth trajectory.
Transaction Structure and Advisory Roles
The transaction was executed as a private sale, and financial terms were not publicly disclosed. BofA Securities served as the exclusive financial adviser to Wayne-Sanderson Farms. Legal and regulatory aspects of the transaction were handled by BakerHostetler as transaction counsel and Proskauer Rose as antitrust counsel. On Harrison Poultry’s side, Stephens acted as financial and banking adviser, while Eversheds Sutherland provided legal counsel throughout the transaction process.
With integration underway and no change in leadership, Wayne-Sanderson Farms anticipates continued operational stability as it incorporates Harrison Poultry into its national production network.
