Latest news with #FFAFutureLeadersScholarship
Business Wire
04-08-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Tractor Supply Launches Next Phase of $5 Million Scholarship Fund to Empower Future Rural Leaders
BRENTWOOD, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, announced today the third class of FFA Future Leaders Scholarship recipients in conjunction with the kickoff of the 2025 FFA Future Leaders Scholarship Fundraiser. The 2025-26 scholarship class includes a total of 146 students from 38 states with intended majors such as agribusiness, welding, agricultural communications, construction, fire sciences and more. The FFA Future Leaders Scholarship Fund—the largest of its kind—awards $5,000 scholarships to students attending a two-year program or trade school, and $10,000 scholarships to students pursuing agriculture-related studies in four-year programs. In rural communities across the country, students often face limited access to financial aid, career resources and exposure to emerging agricultural technologies or skilled trades. While the overall educational attainment of rural residents has increased significantly over the last 60 years, it remains behind that of urban residents. In 2023, 21.4% of the rural population earned a bachelor's degree or higher compared with 36.4% for the non-rural population. The Future Leaders Scholarship Fund is specifically designed to address these gaps by investing in high-potential students who will shape the future of rural America. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, among STEM graduates, rural students (29.1%) and their suburban counterparts (24.0%) were most likely to major in biological and agricultural sciences. 'We are thrilled to announce this year's scholarship recipients simultaneously with the kick-off of our next fundraiser, as there is no greater motivation than seeing the impact of these dollars in real time,' said Marti Skold-Jordan, Executive Director of the Tractor Supply Foundation and National FFA Foundation Sponsors' Board member. 'This class of Future Leaders further raises the bar with their unique interests, impressive goals and exceptional academic records. What hasn't changed, though, is that financial challenges remain a hurdle to achieving their dreams Out Here. For the last three years, we have delivered on our goal of raising at least $1 million to break down those barriers, and we hope to keep that streak going this year.' Beginning today and extending through August 16, customers can donate at checkout in Tractor Supply stores or online at to support the 2026-27 class of scholarship recipients. The Tractor Supply Foundation, in partnership with the National FFA Organization, established the Future Leaders Scholarship in 2022 with a $5 million commitment over five years, making it the largest agriculture scholarship fund of its kind and awarding 435 scholarships to date. The 2024 fundraiser generated more than $1 million to support the current class of scholarship recipients, which includes Kaylee Jones from Sandy, Oregon. Kaylee will attend Oklahoma State University in the fall to study agribusiness. She hopes to pursue a career in agricultural law. Throughout high school, Kaylee worked full time to help support her family. Her $10,000 Future Leaders Scholarship will help relieve some of the financial burden of attending college. 'With your help, I am a step closer to my goal of affording college debt-free and being able to pursue both agriculture and law worry-free,' she said. Wiley Proctor from Aldrich, Missouri, is another 2025-26 scholarship recipient. He will attend Lindenwood University at Ozark Technical Community College–Springfield to study fire science. 'This scholarship will help me achieve my goal of graduating from college with zero debt….and is going to help me in pursuing my dreams of becoming a firefighter,' he said. Additional $5,000 scholarship recipients include: Preston Gant from Fayette, Alabama. He will attend Bevill State Community College to study Diesel Mechanics and hopes to work in Hydraulic Mechanics. Joe Horn from Mount Solon, Virginia. He will attend a two-year program at the University of Northwestern Ohio to study agricultural engineering. He hopes to focus on agricultural equipment technology to pursue a career in that field. Carter Smith, from Middleburg, Pennsylvania. Carter will attend the Pennsylvania College of Technology to study civil engineering. He plans to work as a ready-mix concrete field technician. Hallie Southards from Wray, Colorado. She will attend Western Nebraska Community College-Sidney Campus to study avionics. Hallie hopes to pursue a career as an aviation mechanic. The third class of FFA Future Leaders also includes 54 students who received $10,000 scholarships to pursue agriculture-related four-year majors, including: Elleigh Fisher from North Platte , Nebraska. She will be a senior at Chadron State College where she is studying biology and plant and soil science. She plans to pursue a career in agronomy. Grant Frierson from Paris, Texas. In the fall, he will be a freshman at Texas A & M University studying agribusiness. He hopes to pursue a career in commodity trading. Lillian Morgan from Afton, Virginia. She is a rising sophomore at Oklahoma State University where she is studying agricultural business. Her goal is to use her education to start her own successful business. Kaden Pham, from Monett, Missouri. He will attend Missouri State University to study agricultural management and hopes to work in agri-business and supply chain management. Scholarship recipients will also have the opportunity to interview for career opportunities at Tractor Supply stores or distribution centers while pursuing their education. Additionally, Tractor Supply has earmarked internships at its Store Support Center in Brentwood, Tennessee, and Distribution Centers around the country, for scholarship recipients. 'The National FFA Organization is deeply grateful for our scholarship partners like Tractor Supply Company for their continued commitment to cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders,' said Jim Williams, Executive Director of Development at the National FFA Foundation. 'By providing financial assistance to individual FFA members, we can help alleviate some of the financial burdens those FFA members may face as they explore opportunities beyond high school that will give them the tools to make a lasting impact on their local communities.' For more information on the 2026-27 FFA Future Leaders Scholarship, visit $10,000 Scholarship Winners (Four-Year Majors) $5,000 Scholarship Winners (Trade Schools/Two-Year Programs) 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 June 28, 2025, the Company operated 2,335 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and 207 Petsense by Tractor Supply stores in 23 states. For more information, visit and
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tractor Supply Welcomes Lincoln Electric to Its Top-Tier Welding Lineup
Product launch brings an extensive range of Lincoln Electric's trusted welding solutions to Tractor Supply stores nationwide and online at BRENTWOOD, Tenn., June 03, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, is excited to welcome Lincoln Electric, the global leader in advanced welding solutions, to its lineup of premier welding brands. Tractor Supply customers can now find Lincoln Electric's industry-renowned welders, helmets, protective gear, brushes, accessories and more at Tractor Supply stores across the country and online at This expansion significantly enhances Tractor Supply's already extensive welding assortment, giving customers even more access to the professional-grade tools and equipment they need to tackle any job with confidence. "As a top destination for welding products, we're committed to delivering the best brands and solutions for our customers," said Randall Dodds, senior vice president and general merchandise manager of seasonal and hardlines at Tractor Supply. "Adding Lincoln Electric to our lineup brings unmatched quality and performance to our welding assortment. This move strengthens our leadership in the category and supports both seasoned professionals and those just getting started in this growing trade." Among Tractor Supply's welding customers, 62 percent have been welding for more than a decade and they largely weld for equipment repair or for maintenance purposes. Interest in welding as a profession is growing among younger demographics, as demand and compensation increase with high retirement rates among older electricians, plumbers and welders. Currently, enrollment in trade schools across the country is increasing, significantly outpacing overall growth in higher education enrollment, according to a March 2025 report. Fall enrollment at trade schools is projected to grow 6.6% per year, and among the 89 recipients of Tractor Supply's 2024-25 FFA Future Leaders Scholarship who are attending trade schools, more than a quarter listed welding as their intended major. Even among Tractor Supply customers who were not shopping in the welding aisle at the time of being surveyed, about one in five had done some welding in the past 12 months. "Lincoln Electric is proud to partner with Tractor Supply, a company that shares our deep commitment to hardworking communities and hands-on excellence," said Timothy Keller, vice president, WCTA at Lincoln Electric. "Tractor Supply customers are doers, people who value quality, durability and performance. That aligns perfectly with who we are and what we deliver. Together, we're not just growing our business, we're also empowering more people to build, repair and create with confidence." Popular Lincoln Electric welding products now available in Tractor Supply stores and online at include: EASY MIG 140 Wire Feed Welder The EASY MIG 140 can be used almost anywhere. With its simple two knob controls and lightweight wire drive system, this compact welder is easy to use—even for beginners. Lincoln Electric EASY MIG 140 is an excellent choice for DIY projects, hobbyists, home repairs and more. Lincoln Electric Eagle 10,000 Plus Engine Drive The Eagle 10,000 is ideal for construction contractors, maintenance crews, farmers or ranchers. Its versatile, smooth DC welding output allows for a broad range of stick electrodes, as well as MIG, flux-cored and TIG capabilities with optional equipment. The 12-gallon gasoline tank makes for extended run time, and with AC generator power, it also handles a variety of other jobs, including lights, plasma cutters or emergency power, while welding. No Rules No Limits Welding Helmet Kit The No Rules No Limits Welding Helmet kit includes welding gloves, a doo-rag, welding sleeves, wire brush, two welding magnets, chipping hammer and a paint marker. The variable shade auto-darkening welding helmet is lightweight and features comfortable headgear and an oversized absorbent sweatband. It comes with two extra inside and outside impact resistant clear lenses, and the variable shade feature allows you to choose from shades 7-13. The helmet also features an additional grind mode shade. Helmet can be used in Stick, TIG, Pulsed TIG, MIG, Pulsed MIG, Flux-Cored, Gouging welding processes. Lincoln Electric Metal Working Glove These gloves feature heat- and fire-resistant Aramid stitching throughout the entire glove to increase strength and glove service life, while the full-knit cotton liner provides additional heat resistance and protection. Stainless Steel Shoe Handle Welding Brush Lincoln Electric's tempered stainless-steel brush is perfect for cleaning metal and removing rust, scale, paint, solder and slag. It has a slender, wooden, shoe-handle style design that is comfortable to use, making it a must-have for all welding projects. To see the full lineup of Lincoln Electric welding products available at Tractor Supply, visit 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 March 29, 2025, the Company operated 2,311 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and 206 Petsense by Tractor Supply stores in 23 states. For more information, visit and About Lincoln Electric Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the engineering, design, and manufacturing of advanced arc welding solutions, automated joining, assembly and cutting systems, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting equipment, and has a leading global position in brazing and soldering alloys. Lincoln is recognized as the Welding Expert™ for its leading materials science, software development, automation engineering, and application expertise, which advance customers' fabrication capabilities to help them build a better world. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln operates 71 manufacturing and automation system integration locations across 20 countries and maintains a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices serving customers in over 160 countries. For more information about Lincoln Electric and its products and services, visit the Company's website at View source version on Contacts Mary Winn Pilkington (615) 440-4212Chris Mainz (214) 534-7225corporatecommunications@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
03-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Tractor Supply Welcomes Lincoln Electric to Its Top-Tier Welding Lineup
BRENTWOOD, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, is excited to welcome Lincoln Electric, the global leader in advanced welding solutions, to its lineup of premier welding brands. Tractor Supply customers can now find Lincoln Electric's industry-renowned welders, helmets, protective gear, brushes, accessories and more at Tractor Supply stores across the country and online at This expansion significantly enhances Tractor Supply's already extensive welding assortment, giving customers even more access to the professional-grade tools and equipment they need to tackle any job with confidence. Among Tractor Supply's welding customers, 62 percent have been welding for more than a decade. Share 'As a top destination for welding products, we're committed to delivering the best brands and solutions for our customers,' said Randall Dodds, senior vice president and general merchandise manager of seasonal and hardlines at Tractor Supply. 'Adding Lincoln Electric to our lineup brings unmatched quality and performance to our welding assortment. This move strengthens our leadership in the category and supports both seasoned professionals and those just getting started in this growing trade.' Among Tractor Supply's welding customers, 62 percent have been welding for more than a decade and they largely weld for equipment repair or for maintenance purposes. Interest in welding as a profession is growing among younger demographics, as demand and compensation increase with high retirement rates among older electricians, plumbers and welders. Currently, enrollment in trade schools across the country is increasing, significantly outpacing overall growth in higher education enrollment, according to a March 2025 report. Fall enrollment at trade schools is projected to grow 6.6% per year, and among the 89 recipients of Tractor Supply's 2024-25 FFA Future Leaders Scholarship who are attending trade schools, more than a quarter listed welding as their intended major. Even among Tractor Supply customers who were not shopping in the welding aisle at the time of being surveyed, about one in five had done some welding in the past 12 months. 'Lincoln Electric is proud to partner with Tractor Supply, a company that shares our deep commitment to hardworking communities and hands-on excellence,' said Timothy Keller, vice president, WCTA at Lincoln Electric. 'Tractor Supply customers are doers, people who value quality, durability and performance. That aligns perfectly with who we are and what we deliver. Together, we're not just growing our business, we're also empowering more people to build, repair and create with confidence.' Popular Lincoln Electric welding products now available in Tractor Supply stores and online at include: The EASY MIG 140 can be used almost anywhere. With its simple two knob controls and lightweight wire drive system, this compact welder is easy to use—even for beginners. Lincoln Electric EASY MIG 140 is an excellent choice for DIY projects, hobbyists, home repairs and more. Lincoln Electric Eagle 10,000 Plus Engine Drive The Eagle 10,000 is ideal for construction contractors, maintenance crews, farmers or ranchers. Its versatile, smooth DC welding output allows for a broad range of stick electrodes, as well as MIG, flux-cored and TIG capabilities with optional equipment. The 12-gallon gasoline tank makes for extended run time, and with AC generator power, it also handles a variety of other jobs, including lights, plasma cutters or emergency power, while welding. The No Rules No Limits Welding Helmet kit includes welding gloves, a doo-rag, welding sleeves, wire brush, two welding magnets, chipping hammer and a paint marker. The variable shade auto-darkening welding helmet is lightweight and features comfortable headgear and an oversized absorbent sweatband. It comes with two extra inside and outside impact resistant clear lenses, and the variable shade feature allows you to choose from shades 7-13. The helmet also features an additional grind mode shade. Helmet can be used in Stick, TIG, Pulsed TIG, MIG, Pulsed MIG, Flux-Cored, Gouging welding processes. These gloves feature heat- and fire-resistant Aramid stitching throughout the entire glove to increase strength and glove service life, while the full-knit cotton liner provides additional heat resistance and protection. Stainless Steel Shoe Handle Welding Brush Lincoln Electric's tempered stainless-steel brush is perfect for cleaning metal and removing rust, scale, paint, solder and slag. It has a slender, wooden, shoe-handle style design that is comfortable to use, making it a must-have for all welding projects. To see the full lineup of Lincoln Electric welding products available at Tractor Supply, visit 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 March 29, 2025, the Company operated 2,311 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and 206 Petsense by Tractor Supply stores in 23 states. For more information, visit and About Lincoln Electric Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the engineering, design, and manufacturing of advanced arc welding solutions, automated joining, assembly and cutting systems, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting equipment, and has a leading global position in brazing and soldering alloys. Lincoln is recognized as the Welding Expert™ for its leading materials science, software development, automation engineering, and application expertise, which advance customers' fabrication capabilities to help them build a better world. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln operates 71 manufacturing and automation system integration locations across 20 countries and maintains a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices serving customers in over 160 countries. For more information about Lincoln Electric and its products and services, visit the Company's website at
