Tractor Supply Company Launches 11th Annual Grants for Growing Campaign to Support Future Agricultural Leaders
Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, has officially launched its 11th annual Grants for Growing fundraiser, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to developing the next generation of agricultural and skilled-trade professionals. The 2026 campaign begins on February 19 and is designed to empower students nationwide through hands-on educational experiences that prepare them for meaningful careers in agriculture, technology and technical trades.
Since the program’s inception in 2016, Tractor Supply customers have contributed nearly $9 million in support of local FFA chapters across the country. The initiative coincides with National FFA Week, providing communities with an opportunity to directly invest in youth leadership and agricultural education.
Supporting FFA Students Through Community Giving
Through March 1, customers shopping in-store or online at TractorSupply.com can purchase a paper FFA emblem at checkout. Proceeds from these emblem purchases directly support experiential learning opportunities for members of National FFA Organization, commonly known as FFA.
The fundraiser reflects the strong partnership between Tractor Supply and FFA, a relationship that spans four decades. By inviting customers to participate, the company continues to bridge rural communities with agricultural education, ensuring students have access to practical, real-world training experiences.
Kimberley Gardiner, Chief Marketing Officer at Tractor Supply, emphasized the importance of the initiative and the loyalty of its customer base.
We are incredibly grateful to our communities that show up year after year to support FFA,” Gardiner said. “Grants for Growing helps create a lasting impact by opening doors for students to gain hands-on experience, pursue their passions and carry the values of hard work and service into their communities.
A Four-Decade Partnership with FFA
Tractor Supply has proudly supported FFA since 1985, contributing nearly $24 million through a range of initiatives aimed at strengthening agricultural education and leadership development. The organization prepares students for careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture while fostering personal growth, responsibility and service.
Recognizing the increasing demand for skilled professionals in agriculture and technical fields, Tractor Supply introduced the Grants for Growing fundraiser in 2016. The program was designed to directly address funding gaps faced by local chapters, enabling them to enhance facilities, expand programming and provide students with modern tools and equipment.
As workforce needs in agriculture, diesel mechanics, veterinary sciences, poultry management and precision farming continue to evolve, access to high-quality training environments has become more critical than ever. Grants for Growing plays a key role in ensuring FFA members can build competencies aligned with industry standards.
Impact of the 2025 Campaign
The nearly $1 million raised during the 2025 Grants for Growing campaign has already funded transformative projects in communities nationwide. These projects highlight the tangible outcomes made possible by customer participation.
Construction of a New FFA Barn – Milan, Michigan
In Milan, Michigan, grant funding supported the construction of a new FFA barn. This facility now provides students with a dedicated space to practice hands-on animal care. Through direct engagement with livestock, students gain essential veterinary and animal husbandry skills necessary for raising and maintaining healthy animals.
The project enhances experiential learning by allowing members to manage feeding programs, monitor animal health and develop practical competencies that extend beyond the classroom.
Small Poultry Operation Development – Ignacio, Colorado
In Ignacio, Colorado, funding enabled the development of a small-scale poultry operation on FFA farm property. Students now participate in the complete lifecycle management of chickens, ducks and turkeys, from incubation and brooding to feeding, health management and processing.
Importantly, poultry products generated by the program are sold to a local store, creating a sustainable revenue stream to maintain and grow the initiative. This real-world agribusiness experience teaches students about production systems, marketing, supply chains and financial management.
Agricultural Power Systems Overhaul – Milford, Texas
In Milford, Texas, the local FFA chapter used grant funding to modernize its agricultural power systems program. The overhaul includes expanded instruction in electrical systems, fluid power, diesel technology, precision agriculture and mechanical systems in tractors and small engines.
With new materials and updated equipment, students can now meet state teaching standards and receive training aligned with industry expectations. The program also prepares members for Career Development Events (CDEs) and equips them with technical skills directly transferable to the workforce as tractor technicians and diesel mechanics.
Grant Opportunities for 2026
FFA chapters nationwide can begin applying for Grants for Growing funding on March 3. Chapters may apply for grants of up to $5,000 by submitting project proposals aligned with one of three focus areas:
1. Grow Your Classroom
Funding under this category supports initiatives that enhance classroom instruction and increase students’ academic knowledge. This may include purchasing new technology, curriculum materials or lab equipment that enriches agricultural education programs.
2. Grow Your FFA Chapter
This focus area is designed to strengthen chapter development and leadership opportunities. Funding can be used to expand membership outreach, improve facilities or create new leadership programming that empowers students.
3. Grow Your Ag Awareness
Projects under this category aim to expand agricultural literacy within communities. Chapters may develop events, campaigns or outreach programs that educate the public about agriculture’s role in daily life and the broader economy.
By structuring the grants around these three pillars, Tractor Supply ensures chapters can address both internal development and external community engagement.
Investing in Scholarships for Future Leaders
In addition to the Grants for Growing fundraiser, Tractor Supply further supports FFA members through the FFA Future Leaders Scholarship Program. Established in 2022, the company committed $5 million over five years, creating the largest agriculture scholarship fund of its kind.
To date, nearly 300 students have received scholarships to pursue higher education at four-year universities, two-year colleges, vocational schools and trade institutions. These scholarships help reduce financial barriers for students seeking careers in agriculture, skilled trades and related technical fields.
The scholarship initiative complements the Grants for Growing program by extending support beyond high school, ensuring students can continue developing their expertise and leadership skills at the post-secondary level.
Strengthening the Future of Agriculture
As the agricultural sector faces rapid technological advancements and growing demand for skilled labor, initiatives like Grants for Growing play a critical role in workforce development. By funding barns, labs, power systems programs and agribusiness projects, Tractor Supply is helping cultivate practical expertise among youth nationwide.
Through community-driven fundraising and long-term financial commitments, the company continues to demonstrate that investment in agricultural education yields lasting benefits—not only for students, but also for rural communities and the broader economy.
With nearly $9 million raised since 2016 and millions more committed through scholarships, Tractor Supply’s partnership with FFA reflects a sustained dedication to empowering future leaders. As the 11th annual campaign gets underway, customers once again have the opportunity to support hands-on learning experiences that shape tomorrow’s agricultural innovators.
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