Turlock FFA member Yadira Padilla has been named one of 146 recipients of Tractor Supply’s inaugural FFA Future Leaders Scholarship. Of the 146, Padilla is one of 54 to be given the maximum $10,000 award for applicants pursuing agriculture-related four-year majors.

“This scholarship has meant so much to me and my family,” Padilla said. 

Padilla is planning on attending University of California, Davis to major in Agricultural Business Management. She hopes to follow in her father’s footsteps of working in the dairy industry.

In partnership with the National FFA Organization, The Tractor Supply Foundation established the scholarship in 2022 with a $5 million commitment over the next five years, making it the largest agriculture scholarship fund of its kind. It is facilitated by customer donations made at checkout, either in Tractor Supply stores or online at TractorSupply.com. 

“Our first class of FFA Future Leaders is a remarkably impressive and diverse group of young men and women who are passionate about achieving their goals. It is a privilege to work with FFA to support them,” said Marti Skold-Jordan, manager of the Tractor Supply Company Foundation and National FFA Foundation Sponsors’ board member. “If this group is any indication, I can confidently say that the future is very bright.”

Along with the funds, scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to interview for career opportunities at Tractor Supply stores or distribution centers while pursuing their education. 

The fundraiser for the next class of FFA Future Leaders will run from Nov. 1-12, 2023. Applications for the 2024 FFA Future Leaders Scholarship by Tractor Supply will open on Nov. 1. Eligibility is limited to FFA members. For more information or to apply for the scholarship, visit www.ffa.org/participate/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships/.