Tom Hensley, president of Fieldale Farms, was named USPOULTRY’s Workhorse of the Year during the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2024 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). The poultry industry’s most prestigious honor is awarded annually in recognition of dedicated service and valuable leadership given to the Association and poultry industry.
Hensley was “collared” with the long-established horse collar by 2023 Workhorse of the Year recipient Greg Hinton, vice president of sales for Rose Acre Farms and past USPOULTRY chair. He was also presented with a commemorative plaque.
“It is truly an honor to bestow this prestigious award to Tom for his long-time service to both the U.S. poultry and egg industry and USPOULTRY. His contributions to the association and the USPOULTRY Foundation have helped the organization to prosper and grow through his guidance and input,” remarked Jarod Morrison, chief financial officer for Farbest Foods, and outgoing USPOULTRY chair.
A native of West Virginia, Hensley graduated with a degree in business from Marshall University. Before joining Fieldale Farms, Hensley was a tax manager at Price Waterhouse & Co. He is currently president of Fieldale Farms where he has worked for 45 years, as well as a member of Fieldale Farms Corporation board of directors. In addition, he is past chair of the National Chicken Council and a life member of the Georgia Poultry Federation. Hensley serves on various charitable organization boards, where he has been both active and recognized for his service.
Throughout his time in the poultry industry, Hensley has been active in USPOULTRY. Hensley served as chair of the USPOULTRY board of directors in 2018 and chair of the USPOULTRY Foundation in 2019. He served on the board for 13 years.
“Tom’s commitment to service and giving to others has greatly aided USPOULTRY and the Foundation. I have been fortunate to work with him for many years and directly benefitted from his knowledge,” said Nath Morris, president of USPOULTRY.
