Daniel Hayden

Daniel Hayden was born and raised on his family farm in Knoxville, KY; which is very close to where he and wife Danielle currently reside in Whitesville. Daniel is the youngest of five children and has always been an extreme extrovert who loves going new places and making new friends. His wife actually jokes that he's outgoing to a fault, because he always finds someone to talk to, especially when they're trying to leave. Whether it's at the grocery store or a bar, Daniel just loves people! He grew up playing sports, riding horses (he does rodeo!), and has always had a hankering for helping others. He was, and still is, a part of the 4H club and the FFA (Future Farmers of America), which is how he got to do so much traveling. Daniel got his BA in business and science ("agribusiness") and returned to the farm after college to become the full-time operating farm manager (he was the only one out of the five Hayden offspring to come back). Hayden's Farm was created by Daniel's father in 1983. Originally a tobacco farm, the Hayden family began to shift focus in the late 90's and early 2000's, transforming their properties into a sprawling cattle and chicken farm. They built over half a dozen chicken houses, partnered with Perdue Chicken, and for the past 23 years, Hayden Farms has been humanely raising commercial poultry and beef for sale. Community engagement and education about how the farm really works is important to Daniel. Daniel also teaches virtual "Chickenology" classes to students of all ages, so they understand the value of humane animal farm production. Perdue Chicken is donating product to local food banks, and Daniel is voluntarily/personally reaching out to people (individuals and his business partners/clients) in the area who are asking where they can get meat. Daniel's main priority is fighting to keep his family farm safe. Most of his family members are older (his dad is 80!), so he's forcing his dad to not hit the farm and stay home.