Haydee Borrero of Sheepy Hollow LLC in Ithaca, New York, is a past AFT grant recipient using the funds to help manage her flock of American Romney sheep.
Tractor Supply and the Tractor Supply Company Foundation announced an $850,000 donation to the American Farmland Trust (AFT) in celebration of the farm and ranch retailer’s 85th anniversary.
This announcement comes on National Ag Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the abundance provided by American agriculture.
The donation will support AFT’s Brighter Future Fund, providing 85 grants of $10,000 each to help farmers improve farm viability; access, transfer or permanently protect farmland; and adopt regenerative agricultural practices.
Applicants may include one or more individual farmer(s) or farm families. Grants will primarily be awarded to those who have been historically underserved or lack access to traditional methods of funding. Applications open on July 1.
“Agricultural communities are the foundation of Tractor Supply’s 85 years in business, and we are delighted to give back to them as we celebrate this milestone,” said Hal Lawton, president and CEO of Tractor Supply. “This donation is an expression of gratitude to our customers and the communities we call home. It is also critical to fulfilling our duty as responsible stewards of the environment as America’s farmers play a key role in helping protect our natural resources. We’re honored to contribute to AFT’s important work, ensuring that future generations can live Life Out Here.”
The $850,000 donation is Tractor Supply’s most significant gift to AFT to date.
The retailer first partnered with AFT in 2020 through the Farmer Relief Fund at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tractor Supply also donated to AFT’s Brighter Future Fund in 2021 and 2022. Tractor Supply’s support of the Brighter Future Fund builds on initial underwriting from Tillamook County Creamery Association.
“AFT is grateful for Tractor Supply’s generous gift and the significant impact these funds will have for awardees,” said John Piotti, AFT president and CEO. “Our nation’s farmers and ranchers work hard and face daily obstacles related to weather, changing economic forces, and the rising costs of land and inputs.”
Piotti noted that AFT just reached $5 million in grants awarded to farmers and ranchers to advance its mission to protect farmland, promote sound farming practices, and keep farmers on the land.