Wayne-Sanderson Farms has made an additional \$2 million donation to the University of Georgia (UGA) for its new Poultry Science Building, bringing the total contribution from the Georgia-based poultry producer to \$4.1 million.
This combined donation will help fund the creation of a 1,300-square-foot student lobby in the building. The space will serve as a hub for students to study and connect with industry partners.
“We are deeply grateful for our ongoing partnership with Wayne-Sanderson Farms,” said Nick Place, dean of UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). “This new gift shows their strong commitment to the future of the poultry industry. The lobby will provide a space for students to collaborate, helping them prepare for careers that will make Georgia’s poultry industry more resilient and successful.”
Wayne-Sanderson Farms is the third-largest poultry producer in the U.S., employing over 26,000 people and working with more than 2,000 family farms. The company has long supported the UGA Department of Poultry Science.
“We are proud to invest in the future of agriculture and strengthen Georgia’s poultry industry,” said Kevin McDaniel, president and CEO of Wayne-Sanderson Farms. “This facility and student lobby are a reflection of UGA’s commitment to advancing poultry science, and we look forward to the lasting impact it will have on students, researchers, and the wider industry.”
The Poultry Science Building, located on UGA’s South Campus, spans over 70,000 square feet. It provides nearly double the classroom space per student compared to the previous building—28 to 30 square feet per student, up from around 17 square feet. The building includes new labs, collaborative spaces, and a food safety intervention space to help researchers reduce foodborne pathogens in poultry processing.
“We’re extremely grateful for the continued support from Wayne-Sanderson Farms,” said Todd Applegate, head of the Department of Poultry Science. “This partnership allows us to prepare the next generation of poultry industry leaders in Georgia and beyond.”
The Poultry Science Building was made possible through a \$54.1 million public-private partnership, with half of the funding provided by the Georgia legislature and equipment assistance from a federal grant. The private and industry contributions further strengthen UGA’s role as a global leader in poultry science.
