BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Customers of Tractor Supply Co. stores nationwide again have an opportunity to donate to 4-H programs, after a record was set for the campaign with nearly $1 million raised in the spring.

The autumn version of the 4-H Paper Clover Campaign, in partnership with the National 4-H Council, begins Oct. 7 at all 1,400 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states. Through Oct. 18, store patrons will be offered a chance at checkout to purchase a 4-H paper clover for $1, or more, if they choose.

Each clover listing the name of the buyer will be posted on the walls of the store. According to Tractor Supply officials, $913,553 was raised during the spring 4-H Paper Clover drive, breaking the record for most monetary donations during the four-year partnership between the entities.

Just over $7 million has been collected during the entire five years the campaign has existed, with 70 percent of the revenue benefiting state and local 4-H youth development programs and activities like camps, after-school programs and scholarships.

The remainder of the dollars are donated to the National 4-H Council to help connect more young people to high-quality 4-H youth development programs, according to Tractor Supply officials.

"We are proud to be able to provide essential funding to more than 1,000 county 4-H programs. These programs make a positive impact on young people that last a lifetime," said Christi Korzekwa, senior vice president in marketing for the company.

Only 4-H organizations in communities where a Tractor Supply store exists receive campaign money. In northern Indiana, for example, the 4-H program in LaPorte County receives about $500 a year from the drive, said Patty Keating.

She said the money her organization collects does not go to things like scholarships and camps. The dollars are used at their discretion to offer more youth programs, an area identified by her 4-H group as the biggest need among its well over 1,000 youth members.

"It really is a great source for us to use for creative programming,’’ said Keating.

Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of the National 4-H Council, said the campaign makes a noticeable impact. "The fundraising event has allowed us to provide thousands of 4-H youth across the country greater access to 4-H programs. We are thrilled about our continued partnership with Tractor Supply."

Customers at Del’s Feed and Farm Supply can also purchase 4-H paper clovers. That chain serves farmers and ranchers near Seattle, Wash., and throughout the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii, according to the company’s website.

The focus of Tractor Supply is supplying the needs of recreational farmers and ranchers, but it also serves the maintenance needs of those who enjoy a rural lifestyle as well as tradesmen and small businesses. Supplies for livestock and other agricultural products, along with a select number of tools and hardware, are among the variety of products sold.

The National 4-H Council is a partner of the Cooperative Extension System and both fall under the umbrella of the USDA. There are also 4-H programs in more than 50 countries. To learn more about the organization, ask your local 4-H club or visit www.4-h.org