Firestone Ag kicks off 80th year supporting FFA

NASHVILLE — Firestone Ag, a business of Bridgestone Americas Inc., has opened entry for its 2024 Rock the Crop Sweepstakes exclusively open to chapters of the National FFA Organization.

In its third year, the Rock the Crop Sweepstakes winner will get a private concert with Nashville-based country artist Hailey Whitters to their chapter.

The event also will mark the 80th anniversary of Firestone Ag's partnership with FFA.

"Firestone has embraced a longstanding commitment to FFA that began with Harvey Firestone Jr., who spearheaded the Firestone family's belief in educating and supporting youth interested in agriculture, technology and leadership," Merritt Gilbert, marketing director of integrated agriculture tire business at Firestone Ag, said. "As we mark this milestone for Firestone Ag and FFA, we're excited to share this fun and unique entertainment opportunity with young people who are interested and invested in agriculture."

Chosen through a random drawing, members of the winning chapter will enjoy their own private, on-farm concert with Grammy-nominated Whitters. Members of the winning chapter will also hear from Firestone Ag field engineers about tire types, tire construction, choosing the right tire for the job and proper tractor set up to avoid overloading tires, the company said.

The 2022 sweepstakes featured country artist Dillon Carmichael.

Rock the Crop 2024 entries must be submitted by FFA chapter advisors on behalf of the members by June 6. Complete rules and instructions for entering may be found at the Rock the Crop website.

Throughout the year, Firestone Ag will celebrate its commitment to farm education.

"Throughout 2024, Firestone Ag will also proudly highlight the amazing achievements of FFA members across the country through our social media platforms," Gilbert said. #FFAFridays will showcase the hard work and accomplishments of FFA members on Firestone Ag's Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn platforms.

In addition, Firestone Ag is extending its commitment to future generations of agriculturists by supporting the FFA equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) efforts as well as backing for its New Century Farmer Conference to advance members' leadership, personal and career skills, the company said.

"FFA is honored to mark this milestone with Firestone Ag, especially as the brand continues to champion and engage our students in new ways," Molly Ball, president of the National FFA Foundation and chief marketing officer of the National FFA Organization, said.