Sponsorship funds maximize impact through FFA partnerships, delivering over $2,000 in food and essential supplies to Wisconsin families and farmers.
Janesville, Wis. – December 22, 2025 – The Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association (WATA) and Tractor Supply Company (TSC) today announced the successful distribution of funds from a targeted holiday relief campaign, exemplifying the “spirit of neighbor helping neighbor” across rural Wisconsin.
Through a $1,500 sponsorship partnership focused on Wisconsin Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters, the initiative converted financial support into tangible relief—including milk, meat, and winter essentials—for local food pantries and community members in need during the first three weeks of December.
Maximizing Impact for Food Pantries The partnership utilized a $500 portion of the sponsorship to secure over $600 worth of milk for local pantries, thanks to matching support from industry partners:
• Second Harvest Food Bank: received 118 gallons of Sassy Cow Creamery Milk (valued at nearly $400) through a generous matching program.
• Local Community Pantries: FFA students, advisors, alumni and supporters distributed over 90 1/2 gallons of milk (sourced from Kwik Trip) to the Berlin Food Pantry, Columbus Food Pantry (via Fall River FFA), Auburndale Food Pantry, and the Lancaster Association of Churches Food Pantry (via Cassville FFA).
Direct Support for Neighbors in Need Another $500 was utilized to purchase 50 Tractor Supply Gift Cards ($10 each). These cards were distributed by Waupun Tractor Supply Store staff to purchase personal care items and warm jackets for farmers and FFA students facing financial hardship this winter.
Going the Extra Mile
In a final act of community solidarity, WATA chose to reallocate the $500 originally earmarked for the association’s own administration and promotion. Instead of retaining these funds, WATA directed 100% of the money toward purchasing high-demand proteins for pantries in Columbus, Marshfield, Lancaster, and Berlin.With the support of Kwik Trip stores in those communities, this reallocated funding provided:
• 135 pounds of butter
• 120 pork chops
• 20 pounds of bacon
• 75 pounds of potatoes
“Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism is about more than just visiting a farm; it’s about sustaining the rural communities that feed us,” said WATA Executive Director Sheila Everhart. “By reallocating our own administrative funds and partnering with Tractor Supply and the FFA, we were able to put food directly on the tables of our neighbors this holiday season.”
About Tractor Supply Company
Tractor Supply Company (TSC) is the largest retail ranch and farm store operator in the U.S., with 2,270 stores and approximately 50,000 employees. Recognized as a “Great Place to Work,” TSC is dedicated to supporting the rural lifestyle and the communities they serve.
About Kwik Trip, Inc.
Kwik Trip, Inc. is a family-owned convenience store company proudly rooted in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Since 1965, our 38,000+ hard-working and dedicated co-workers have been serving up smiles (and snacks) at over 900 stores across the Midwest.
About Sassy Cow Creamery
Sassy Cow Creamery is a farmstead dairy, Columbus, WI where they bottle milk from their family traditional and
About Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association (WATA)
Established in July 1993, the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association (WATA) is the leader and voice for Wisconsin’s agricultural tourism industry—the fastest-growing segment of both agriculture and tourism in the state. Ag-tourism revitalizes rural economies, preserves farmland, and allows families to keep their farms operational for future generations. Beyond economics, WATA plays a vital role in reconnecting the public with agriculture, helping guests learn where their food comes from and why land stewardship matters.
To learn more, visit WIAgTourism.com tractorsupply.com
Media Contact: Sheila Everhart, Executive Director [email protected] 608-774-1354