We are frequent patrons of our local Tractor Supply Company (TSC). It’s a great store for purchasing everything our ranching family needs. Lawn equipment, farm toys, coveralls, winter boots, gloves, feed supplies, grills, you name it — TSC probably has it.

Now I have one more reason to shop at TSC. The retailer recently raised more than $825,000 to support 4-H youth across the country.

In a recent press release, TSC announced that 14,000 4-H youth would benefit from the donation, which was raised as part of a fundraiser called, “Paper Clover.”

The money will be used to send these 4-H youth to county-level development programs, summer camps and leadership conferences, where students will learn everything from science and technology to fishing and horseback riding.

What’s even better about this announcement is TSC is taking its support on the road with plans to take off on a national Mobile Fair Tour. With 19 state and county fair visits planned this summer, TSC will recognize FFA and 4-H youth who are making a difference in their communities.

This is TSC’s third annual road trip, but new this year is a “Great Neighbor” essay contest, which allows FFA and 4-H students to share stories about how their involvement in these organizations has empowered them to be a better neighbor.

TSC received more than 500 essay submissions, and they have selected five local winners for each of the 19 fair stops they have planned along their national tour this summer.

Without question, 4-H and FFA taught me how to be a better neighbor. Growing up, weekends were spent with our 4-H club picking up trash in ditches, building planters for area nursing homes, writing letters to our troops overseas and gathering much-needed items to our local women’s shelter.
Through my years in FFA, I focused on leadership skills, parliamentary procedure, politics and getting involved in my local community, as well as voicing my opinions on larger issues impacting my state and the agricultural community.

It’s amazing that TSC wants to highlight some of these stories and recognize the youth leaders who spend their free time helping others and building their resumes instead of playing video games or lounging on the couch.

TSC’s tour features a 3,000 square foot traveling exhibit, which gives fairgoers the opportunity to experience the excitement of rural America through a variety of entertainment options, including music, games and chances to win prizes.

To see if the TSC tour will be stopping in your neck of the woods, check out TractorSupply.com/FairTour and be sure to follow TSC on Facebook for updates on the retailer’s travels.

The opinions of Amanda Radke are not necessarily those of beefmagazine.com or Penton Agriculture.