The Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S., and its foundation have donated $100,000 to the Farmer Veteran Coalition’s (FVC) Fellowship Fund. This fund provides micro-grants to veterans who are starting out in farming or ranching. This donation marks the sixth year of Tractor Supply’s collaboration with FVC, reflecting the company’s ongoing dedication to veteran causes. Over this period, Tractor Supply has contributed more than $550,000 in gift cards and funding to FVC, supporting over 350 farmer veterans across the country.
Colin Yankee, Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer at Tractor Supply and a former U.S. Army captain, stated, “Many of our nation’s military veterans find a renewed sense of purpose and passion in farming after their service. As a company with an 85-year history of commitment to our country and those who serve it, we are honored to support these heroes in realizing their farming and ranching dreams.”
The $50,000 donation from the Tractor Supply Company Foundation will aid farmer veterans through grants and FVC programming. Additionally, Tractor Supply has awarded $1,000 gift cards to 50 veterans from all branches of the U.S. Military, enabling them to purchase essential items for their farm businesses. Commonly purchased items include ATVs, beekeeping equipment, breeding livestock, bulk feed, fencing, and tractor implements.
Recipients of this year’s awards include:
- Christine Grover, an Army retiree who, with her veteran husband, founded C&S Farms in Henderson, Texas. Their farm includes a small apiary and grows Texas native berries and grapes for jelly production.
- Jason Heitman, a Navy veteran who, after struggling to find purpose in civilian life, now runs Green Jeans Market Farm in Schuylerville, New York. He donates produce weekly to local food pantries and food hubs.
- Bryant Neal, a Marine veteran who operates Southern Family Homestead in East Dublin, Georgia, focusing on regenerative agriculture. His main product is pastured pork, and he plans to expand his pig-raising and crop cultivation.
- David Clabots, an Army veteran who manages Clabots’ Cattle Company in Gilman, Wisconsin, with his family. Their farm currently raises cattle for spring calving and plans to expand pasture land and acquire new equipment.
FVC is one of ten organizations that received $100,000 as part of Tractor Supply’s $1 million donation to support military service members, veterans, and first responders. The company’s newly launched Hometown Heroes program offers special benefits to military and first responders through the Neighbor’s Club loyalty program and Hero Holiday discounts.
Tractor Supply also supports military and veteran communities year-round with special discounts on Independence Day and Veterans Day, alongside various other programs and initiatives.
