Thanks to the largest rural lifestyle retail chain in the United States, maple syrup production and a honeybee project in Michigan will get a nice boost benefiting the next generation of agricultural leaders in the state and nation. That boost comes from Tractor Supply Company, which has a store along Red Arrow Highway in Stevensville and the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Foundation.
Tractor Supply and the FFA Foundation have partnered for the second straight year to back student-driven agricultural projects that will benefit Michigan communities and FFA chapters for years to come. This year, Grants for Growing will distribute an average of $1,789 to 9 FFA chapters for their impressive projects.
Tractor Supply Company awarded 316 Grants for Growing to FFA chapters which requested funding for a wide variety of sustainable projects. In Michigan, the grants will help fund projects including a maple syrup production, growing knowledge program and honeybee project.
Christi Korzekwa is Senior Vice President of Marketing at Tractor Supply Company. She says, “Tractor Supply customers and team members are proud to support Grants for Growing and the FFA because they truly believe an investment in agriculture education is an investment in our communities.”
Between January 10th and February 13th, the National FFA Foundation received over 800 applications from FFA chapters across the country detailing how they will start or expand a unique and sustainable project. During National FFA Week, February 17th through the 26th, Tractor Supply hosted a 10-day in-store event in every Michigan store that offered shoppers the opportunity to donate $1 or more at checkout in support of the program.
Many FFA chapters participated in additional fundraising opportunities at their local Tractor Supply stores. Students greeted customers and held their own promotional events, including bake sales, car washes and more.
Lisa White is Director of Store Marketing at Tractor Supply Company. She tells us, “The Grants for Growing applications we received this year proved that FFA advisors across the country are tuned into the specific needs of their school or community FFA chapter.” She adds, “We can’t wait to see what creative projects and fresh ideas FFA chapters will imagine for next year’s program.”
For more details about the program, you can visit https://www.ffa.org/grantsforgrowing.
Founded in 1938, Tractor Supply Company is the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States. At December 31, 2016, the Company operated 1,595 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website at www.tractorsupply.com. Tractor Supply stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of recreational farmers and ranchers and others who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as tradesmen and small businesses.
The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 649,355 student members as part of 7,859 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is supported by 225,891 alumni members in 1,934 local FFA Alumni chapters throughout the U.S. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agricultural education.
