As the Vice Chairman, Board of Directors at Fieldale Farms, Joe Hatfield carries on a family tradition of more than 55 years in the poultry business. His father was a Fieldale Farms founder, and the company is still family owned. Fieldale is now one of the largest independent poultry producers in the world. The company has invested in the latest up-to-date equipment and technology, always bearing in mind the health of the millions of consumers of its products. Before devoting his career to Fieldale Farms, Mr. Hatfield operated a construction business in Gainesville, Georgia. Over the years, he has worked in many capacities for Fieldale, advancing to positions of greater responsibility within the company. He started from the ground up, working first in wastewater treatment installation before becoming assistant manager of the protein conversion plant, overseeing plant operations and now as vice chairman of the board.

A native of Gainesville, Georgia, Mr. Hatfield holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from North Georgia College. He currently serves on the Board of Natural Resources, Georgia Natural Resources Foundation, North Georgia Technical College Foundation and Peach State Bank & Trust. He is a past board member of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (2005–2007). Mr. Hatfield has continued his education with management training at Purdue University, composting seminars at the University of Maryland, and Dale Carnegie courses. He is active in the National Chicken Council, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, and the Georgia Poultry Federation.

Mr. Hatfield enjoys international travel, game bird hunting, skeet shooting, hot rods, and antique cars. One of his cars was a Grand National winner in Antique Automobile Club competition. He lives in Clarkesville, Georgia, with his wife Rosalyn.