Silver Anniversary The Co-op 4-H & FFA Commemorative Knife Program continues to benefit youth

This year marks a milestone for Co-op’s highly successful 4-H and FFA Commemorative Case Knife program — its 25th anniversary. Excitement around this popular initiative continues to grow.

TFC Farm Hardware TBA Manager Jimmy Ogilvie and his team worked with Case to design one of the series’ most eye-catching versions. This year’s knife is a canoe pattern with rich red-bone handles and a Co-op shield, plus the embellishments longtime supporters expect.

Since 2001, the program has provided $753,720 to 4-H and FFA, before adding the 2025 total. Proceeds are now distributed through the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Foundation.

Case was the knife of choice from the beginning. Their handcrafted, American-made knives are collector favorites. In 2001, ProTrition CEO Joe Huffine, then TFC’s director of member services, and Lincoln Bedford Moore Manager Paul Arnette, then a TFC Home Lawn Specialty product manager, worked with Case and the youth organizations to launch the project.

“It’s taken a lot of cooperation, but this program is now the envy of other states,” says Huffine, who also serves on both foundation boards.

Collectors seek out Case knives for many reasons. The limited production and desire to complete sets keep demand high, says Arnette. “But it’s also because our customers feel strongly about the value of 4-H and FFA. That commitment is probably the top reason the program resonates with our Co-op community.”

“Case knives have always been to me like the John Deere of knives,” says TFC Director and collector Tim Luckey. “They’re top notch. When I was growing up, all the country boys liked pocketknives. But the real benefit is the money we get to provide to 4-H and FFA. It’s a good cause, and those dollars go to youth programs that can really use it.”

By the time you read this, many Co-ops will have their 2025 knives in stock. The knife is only available at Co-op, so check early. Once they’re gone, no more of this year’s knife will be made.

Though collectors of these commemoratives will likely never use them to even open a box or envelope, you could — and if you need a working tool, most Co-ops carry those as well. Be sure to see the selection when you stop in for your 2025 commemorative knife.

To enhance the program, a group of Co-op employees and guests recently traveled to Case headquarters in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Read about their visit and the company on page 26.

Story by Glen Liford,

Contact gliford@ourcoop.com