Tractor Supply Recognized at National FFA Convention for Support of Agriculture Education
- Retailer Received Distinguished Service Citation
- Three Team Members Awarded FFA’s Highest Individual Honor
- The Tractor Supply Foundation Provided Funds for Students to Attend Convention
BRENTWOOD, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
The energy was electric in Indianapolis last week as more than 70,000 students, teachers and agricultural leaders gathered for the 98th Annual National FFA Convention and Expo. Among them was Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), proudly celebrating four decades of partnership with the National FFA Organization — and a shared commitment to growing the next generation of agricultural leaders.
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This year, Tractor Supply received the Distinguished Service Citation, one of the National FFA’s highest recognitions for organizations that have made a lasting impact on agricultural education nationwide. The award highlights the Company’s unwavering dedication to supporting students, teachers and communities that make agriculture thrive.
“Platinum partners like Tractor Supply Company ensure that FFA continues to deliver transformative programs that empower our members for career success,” said Jim Williams, Executive Director of the National FFA Foundation. “Tractor Supply is truly deserving of this recognition.”
“It’s humbling to be recognized by FFA — an organization that truly embodies the spirit of leadership and service,” said Joe Fell, Tractor Supply Vice President of Merchant Operations and a member of the FFA Sponsor Board. “At Tractor Supply, we believe in helping young people explore their passions, build confidence and develop the skills that will sustain rural communities for generations to come.”
In addition to the Company’s recognition, three Tractor Supply Team Members received the Honorary American FFA Degree, the highest individual honor bestowed by the National FFA Organization. The award recognizes individuals who have provided exceptional support for school-based agricultural education and the FFA. The Honorary American FFA Degree is a testament to each recipient’s dedication to cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders and strengthening the connection between students and their communities.
This year’s Tractor Supply honorees include:
- Mary Winn Pilkington – Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Public Relations and President of the Tractor Supply Company Foundation
- Marti Skold-Jordan – Former Executive Director, the Tractor Supply Company Foundation and Manager of Community Relations
- Lexie Gamble – Manager, Local Store Community Marketing
“The FFA holds a special place in our hearts at Tractor Supply,” said Pilkington, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations and Public Relations. “Seeing these students’ passion, creativity and leadership gives us tremendous hope for the future of agriculture. We’re honored to support them as they learn, grow and lead the communities that will define tomorrow’s rural America.”
Making the Convention Experience Possible
For five FFA chapters, this year’s convention was more than a celebration — it was the opportunity of a lifetime. Tractor Supply provided travel assistance funding to chapters in Tennessee, Pennsylvania, California, Kentucky and Colorado, helping ensure that more students could experience the national gathering in person.
From Riverdale High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to Pagosa Springs High School in Colorado, these chapters represent communities where resources can be constrained — but where students’ enthusiasm for agriculture knows no limits. Thanks to Tractor Supply’s support, these young leaders were able to connect, learn and be inspired among peers who share their dreams.
- Riverdale High School – Murfreesboro, Tennessee
- Midd-West High School – Middleburg, Pennsylvania
- Don Lugo High School – Chino, California
- Clark County Schools – Winchester, Kentucky
- Pagosa Springs High School – Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Living the Values of Service
True to its belief in hands-on community engagement, Tractor Supply also joined forces with Cargill and Living Lands and Waters during the convention to lead an environmental service project. Volunteers from all three organizations — alongside FFA students — rolled up their sleeves to remove invasive species in a local park. Together, they made a tangible impact on the community while reinforcing the shared mission to protect and preserve the natural resources that sustain us all.
In 2025, Tractor Supply is celebrating 40 years of proud partnership with FFA, supporting the nonprofit through initiatives like its annual Grants for Growing fundraiser and other year-round efforts. 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 with 435 scholarships awarded to date. Applications for 2026-2027 scholarships are now open. To apply, visit https://www.ffa.org/participate/grants-and-scholarships.
About Tractor Supply Company
For more than 85 years, Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO) has been passionate about serving the needs of recreational farmers, ranchers, homeowners, gardeners, pet enthusiasts and all those who enjoy living Life Out Here. Tractor Supply is the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S., ranking 296 on the Fortune 500. The Company’s more than 52,000 Team Members are known for delivering legendary service and helping customers pursue their passions, whether that means being closer to the land, taking care of animals or living a hands-on, DIY lifestyle. In store and online, Tractor Supply provides what customers need – anytime, anywhere, any way they choose at the low prices they deserve.
As part of the Company’s commitment to caring for animals of all kinds, Tractor Supply is proud to include Petsense by Tractor Supply, a pet specialty retailer, and Allivet, a leading online pet pharmacy, in its family of brands. Together, Tractor Supply is able to provide comprehensive solutions for pet care, livestock wellness and rural living, ensuring customers and their animals thrive. From its stores to the customer’s doorstep, Tractor Supply is here to serve and support Life Out Here.
As of September 27, 2025, the Company operated 2,364 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and 206 Petsense by Tractor Supply stores in 23 states. For more information, visit www.tractorsupply.com and www.Petsense.com.
About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,027,200 student members as part of 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 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. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251103354545/en/
Mary Winn Pilkington (615) 440-4212
Chris Mainz (615) 647-1991
[email protected]
KEYWORDS: United States North America Indiana Tennessee
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Other Consumer Home Goods Environment Retail Other Philanthropy Family Environmental Health Consumer Foundation Philanthropy Agriculture Natural Resources Other Retail Other Education Specialty Primary/Secondary Training Education
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