Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S. – including a new Quad Cities location in Moline – and the National 4-H recently celebrated the success of their 15-year partnership. It has raised more than $25 million to empower youth through 4-H.
To mark the milestone, leaders from both organizations joined a group of 4-H members and alumni to ring the Nasdaq opening bell in New York on Monday, Dec. 15. The 30 4-H participants hailed from eight states. They represented the 6 million youth 4-H programs serve nationwide.
“For 15 years, a simple act at checkout – purchasing a Paper Clover – has created lasting opportunities for young people and strengthened communities across the country,” John Ordus, Tractor Supply EVP and chief stores officer, said in a news release. “At Tractor Supply, we believe that when we invest in young people, we invest in the communities we serve, and the impact of that commitment has been truly transformative.”
Mr. Ordus, who also is on the National 4-H Council board, credited the store’s customers for the achievement. He said they “understand the power of opportunity and its ability to create positive change close to home. To everyone who has played a role in this journey, we offer our sincere thanks and deep appreciation.”
Jill Bramble, 4-H council’s president and CEO, lauded the partnership for strengthening “the rural economies that power this country.”
“Through 4-H programs young people gain hands-on experiences from artificial intelligence and ag-tech to engineering and entrepreneurship,” she added in the release.
About the partners
Tractor Supply and 4-H surpassed the $25 million milestone during the recent winter Paper Clover fundraising campaign. It generated more than $1 million. Of that total, Ms. Bramble said 90% will directly support state and local 4-H youth. The remaining 10% will support national 4-H programming.
Tractor Supply also has generated additional 4-H funds through the sale of 4-H Clover snapback hats, collectible ornaments and year-round club activities at its local stores.
In 2024, 4-H launched the Beyond Ready initiative. It is designed to help 10 million youth become ready for life and work by 2030.
To learn more about Tractor Supply and 4-H, visit TractorSupply.com/4H.
