A Georgia farmer and U.S. Army veteran got an early Christmas present this year … a new Kubota L-Series compact tractor. Chad Tackett, owner of Tackett Family Farms in Lincolnton, Georgia, is the latest recipient of a donated tractor from Kubota Tractor Corporation’s “Geared To Give” program.
When told by phone that he had been selected as this quarter’s “Geared to Give” recipient, Tackett said, “I am so glad to replace my broken-down 1970 tractor and I can’t wait see what my new Kubota can do on my farm and for the local farmer veteran community. I’ve never been so lucky and am incredibly grateful for this recognition.”
During a special ceremony, Tackett was presented with the keys to the new compact tractor in recognition of his years of service in the U.S. Army and for his dedication to farming. The donation was made by Kubota in partnership with the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC), in an effort to provide financial support and donated Kubota equipment to U.S. military veterans pursuing a future in farming.
Tackett and his wife Shirlene, a U.S. Air Force veteran, manage roughly 200 acres of land including planted pines, hardwoods, and pastures where they raise grass-fed Texas Longhorn cattle. Tackett grew up feeding cattle and raising hogs on family farms, and with his experience and new Kubota tractor, he plans to develop the farm and expand his cattle operation to sell meat locally by late next year. A father of four, Tackett served in the U.S. Army for 22 years where he was stationed across the U.S. and overseas before retiring in 2012. Tackett’s son Zach serves in the U.S. Navy where he is stationed in King’s Bay, Georgia.
Kubota’s philanthropic mission is to “power and empower those who move the earth,” and in that spirit “Geared to Give” was born in partnership with FVC in early 2015. The program works to identify the needs and further the agriculture careers of those who have served their country and are now serving their communities through farming.
“This program empowers farmer veterans to achieve their dreams and make a true difference through their farming operations,” said Todd Stucke, Kubota senior vice president of sales, marketing and product support, in a recent release. “Kubota is proud to offer a token of our gratitude for those who have done so much for this country through their military service. We are extremely pleased to help Chad continue to make a difference in his community for many years to come.”
Farmer veterans can apply to the FVC Fellowship Fund in order to be considered for donated Kubota equipment through the “Geared to Give” program.
