Tractor Supply and Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association Partner with FFA to Grow Wisconsin’s Rural Communities
Visit Wisconsin — America’s Agricultural Tourism Destination
Madison, Wis. — A partnership between Tractor Supply Company (TSC), the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association (WATA), and Wisconsin FFA chapters helped celebrate student creativity, support family farms, and bring fresh milk to local families across the state this fall.
Through a $1,500 sponsorship, Tractor Supply — the nation’s largest ranch and farm retailer, with more than 2,270 stores and 50,000 employees nationwide — joined forces with WATA to support the Wisconsin FFA Digital Promotional Assets and Corn Maze Cut-Out Contest. The program encouraged students to design farm-themed corn maze cut-outs, photo opportunities, and digital promotional materials for Wisconsin’s agritourism destinations.
A Collaboration Rooted in Community
The initiative was open to all 261 Wisconsin FFA chapters, representing roughly 20,000 students. The project aimed to showcase how agricultural tourism helps revitalize rural economies, preserve farmland, and sustain family farms for future generations.
Twelve winners were selected across six categories, with prizes awarded in the form of Fresh Milk Vouchers donated to local food pantries in the winners’ names. First-place recipients earned $75 vouchers, while second-place recipients earned $50 vouchers, all will be distributed to community food pantries between December 1–19, 2025.
The winning digital assets were also featured by WATA and its partner farms during the Wisconsin Fall Agricultural Tourism Season, helping to promote on-farm experiences across the state.
“Agricultural tourism revitalizes rural economies, preserves farmland, and reconnects people to where their food comes from,” said Sheila Everhart, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association. “We’re grateful to Tractor Supply for believing in our students and our farms. This partnership truly exemplified the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor.”
Celebrating Student Creativity
The Wisconsin State FFA Convention in Madison showcased top student entries to over 5,000 attendees from 261 chapters statewide. Among the featured designs was a “Butterfly” corn maze cut-out created by Fait Sopa of Sopa Family Farm in Amherst, guided by Auburndale FFA Advisor Mark Cournoyer; a “Scarecrow” cut-out by Fall River FFA students with Advisor Ryan Christian; and a directional sign display created by Berlin FFA students and alumni, guided by Jean Bahn.
In addition, Cassville FFA student Willow Ackerman, under the guidance of Advisor Hannah Pitzen, contributed a feature article selected for publication in WATA’s October Member Newsletter.
While participation levels were lower than anticipated in this pilot year, WATA commended the quality and creativity of the entries and expressed appreciation for the agritourism destinations that had committed to showcasing the students’ work. Head to WIAgtourism.com to find Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Destinations.
A Gift that Gave Back
Tractor Supply’s sponsorship directly benefited Wisconsin communities. In addition to the $500 in milk vouchers donated to food pantries, $500 in Tractor Supply gift cards were used to purchase personal care items for local homeless shelters. The remaining $500 supported WATA’s Education Committee Initiatives by enhancing farmer participation at the 2026 Growing Wisconsin Conference. Click here to learn more about the January 18-20, 2026 Growing Wisconsin Conference.
Tractor Supply’s contribution was recognized through a statewide press release, social media coverage, and features in WATA’s newsletter and blog, shared with more than 1,500 subscribers. WATA also shared photos and updates with local media and television outlets, highlighting FFA students as they delivered milk to their local food pantries in December.
Looking Ahead
Be sure to check back and read our December blog as we will feature photos of FFA students delivering milk and personal care items to their local pantries and shelters. Despite the modest participation in its first year, WATA and Wisconsin FFA considered the collaboration a valuable learning experience. The organizations plan to evaluate how to increase chapter engagement and streamline communications for future statewide projects.
The two groups are already in discussion for a 2027–2028 expected to feature expanded partnerships and statewide marketing — once again reflecting the enduring Wisconsin values of neighbors helping neighbors.