Kubota Tractor Corporation has announced the selection of five new farmer veteran recipients of new Kubota equipment as part of its 2020 “Geared to Give” program in partnership with the Farmer Veteran Coalition. In recognition of their current and past U.S. military service and their continued service to their communities through farming, country music singer and songwriter Brantley Gilbert helped Kubota and FVC honor each veteran, inviting those nearby to his farm to bestow the gift of Kubota equipment that will help them achieve self-sufficiency and take their farming operation to the next level.
“It truly is the American dream for many – and certainly those returning or starting a new career in farming – to become a self-sufficient farmer, with the right mix of equipment, drive and determination to make tending to the land your life’s work,” said Alex Woods, Kubota senior vice president of sales operations, supply chain and parts. “Kubota is proud to work with FVC and with Brantley and his team to recognize the 2020 recipients and help us power and empower them with the right equipment to help them achieve their dreams.”
Kubota’s Geared to Give program has provided equipment and grants to 36 farmer veterans since 2015 through FVC’s Fellowship Fund, which matches veterans’ needs with donated resources to help them further their agriculture careers.
“Helping veterans achieve self-sufficiency in farming communities across the country is one of the greatest joys of our work,” said Jeanette Lombardo, executive director of FVC. “We’re extremely grateful to continue working alongside Kubota to deliver the right mix of much-needed equipment to take our veterans’ farms to the next level; it’s truly the greatest gift, particularly for farmers just starting out.”
Gilbert, a strong supporter of efforts to honor active duty military and veterans’ organizations, wanted to get involved and invited this year’s honorees to his farm in Alabama for a special ceremony and private performance in celebration of National Farmer’s Day. “We wouldn’t have the abundance, or variety of food we have today without our nation’s farmers,” said Gilbert. “I’m honored to be able to share in this effort with Kubota and FVC, and to pay tribute to all our active military and especially to these five veterans who have served our country once in the armed forces and who continue serving their communities today through farming.”
—
Photo Credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com