Tractor Supply sends 75 FFA members to convention

Tractor Supply Company and the Tractor Supply Company Foundation surprised five high school FFA chapters across the country with the funds needed for students to attend the 97th Annual National FFA Convention and Expo.

The convention takes place in Indianapolis in October and is the pinnacle event for students involved in FFA, providing opportunities to learn, compete, and develop. Tractor Supply’s contribution will cover travel costs for a total of 75 students to attend.

“At Tractor Supply, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders in agriculture,” said Marti Skold-Jordan, manager of the Tractor Supply Foundation and National FFA Foundation Sponsors’ Board member. “The National FFA Convention is an invaluable experience for these students as they seek to further their agricultural education, and we are honored to support them in this opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate each other at this formative event.”

Five schools were surprised and delighted last week by local Tractor Supply store Team Members.

• Mitchell Career and Technical Education Academy – Mitchell, South Dakota
• Riverdale High School – Murfreesboro, Tennessee
• Screven County High School – Sylvania, Georgia
• Southern Guilford High School – Greensboro, North Carolina
• Weatherford High School – Weatherford, Texas

Each year, FFA chapters raise money to send students to the conference. The chapters selected are based in schools where funding for programs like FFA is often limited and students face financial barriers that make it difficult to participate in activities outside the classroom. Without this support from Tractor Supply, many of these students would not have the opportunity to attend the convention.

“The National FFA Convention is a highlight of the year that we want members to experience regardless of financial circumstance,” said Ashley Shaw, FFA advisor at Riverdale High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. “We’re so grateful for Tractor Supply’s generosity as this donation opens doors for students that will shape their futures in agriculture for years to come.”

Tractor Supply has been a proud partner of FFA since 1985, donating nearly $24 million through various initiatives to support FFA’s work preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. In 2022, Tractor Supply committed $5 million over five years to the FFA Future Leaders Scholarship, making it the largest agriculture scholarship fund of its kind. Through the fund, nearly 300 students have been awarded scholarships to support their ongoing education at four-year universities, two-year colleges, and vocational and trade schools.

The 97th National FFA Convention and Expo will be held October 23-26 in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is one of the largest student conventions in the world. Members, alumni, nonprofits, and company sponsors gather and grow through workshops, speakers, networking opportunities, and more.