Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S., along with the Tractor Supply Company Foundation, has made a $100,000 donation to the Farmer Veteran Coalition’s (FVC) Fellowship Fund. This fund provides micro grants to veterans who are just starting out in farming or ranching. This donation marks the sixth year of Tractor Supply’s partnership with FVC, reflecting their ongoing dedication to supporting veterans. To date, the collaboration has contributed over $550,000 in gift cards and funding, aiding more than 350 farmer veterans nationwide.
“Many of our nation’s military veterans discover a renewed sense of purpose and passion in farming after their service,” said Colin Yankee, Tractor Supply’s executive vice president and chief supply chain officer, and a former U.S. Army captain. “For over 85 years, our organization has been deeply committed to respecting our country and its servicemen and women. It is our honor to support these heroes in realizing their farming and ranching aspirations.”
The Tractor Supply Company Foundation’s $50,000 donation will support farmer veterans through grants and FVC programming. Additionally, Tractor Supply has awarded $1,000 gift cards to 50 veterans across all branches of the U.S. Military. These funds will help them purchase essential items for their farming businesses, such as ATVs, beekeeping equipment, breeding livestock, bulk feed, fencing, and tractor implements.
Recipients were chosen based on their business vision, goals, and community involvement. Highlights of this year’s grant recipients include:
- Christine Grover, an Army retiree who, with her veteran husband, runs C&S Farms in Henderson, Texas, focusing on a small apiary and growing Texas native berries and grapes for jelly production.
- Jason Heitman, a Navy veteran who, after struggling to find purpose in civilian life, now operates Green Jeans Market Farm in Schuylerville, New York. He donates produce weekly to local food pantries and regional food hubs.
- Bryant Neal, a Marine veteran managing Southern Family Homestead in East Dublin, Georgia. He focuses on regenerative agriculture, primarily pastured pork, and aims to expand his pig-raising operation and cultivate more land.
- David Clabots, an Army vet running Clabots’ Cattle Company in Gilman, Wisconsin. Alongside his family, he raises cows and heifers, plans to expand their pasture, and purchase new equipment.
FVC is among ten organizations that each received $100,000 from Tractor Supply’s $1 million donation to support military service members, veterans, and first responders. The company has also launched its Hometown Heroes program, offering special benefits and discounts through TSC’s Neighbor’s Club loyalty program, as well as discounts on Fourth of July and Veterans Day.
For more information on Tractor Supply’s partnership with FVC, visit TractorSupply.com/Military.
