Ga. farmer veteran awarded Kubota tractor

LINCOLNTON, Ga. -- Kubota Tractor Corp. announced that the latest recipient of a donated tractor in its "Geared To Give" program is farmer veteran Chad Tackett, owner of Tackett Family Farms in Lincolnton.

Tackett was presented with the keys to a new Kubota L-Series 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, 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 200 acres 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's son, Zach, serves in the U.S. Navy, where he is stationed in King's Bay. Tackett served in the U.S. Army for 22 years, where he was stationed across the U.S. and overseas before retiring in 2012.

"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," Tackett said. "I've never been so lucky and am incredibly grateful for this recognition."

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 the coalition 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.

After retiring in 2012, Tackett learned all there is to know about grass-fed cattle with the hopes of starting his own operation. He also offers his farm as a place for local veterans to work or relax, providing a therapeutic environment and allowing them to start their own farming projects.

"Having known Chad for several years, I am so proud that we've awarded this quarter's tractor donation to such a deserving candidate," said Michael O'Gorman, executive director of the coalition. "We are pleased to be able to award this tractor to Chad today, and we know that he will make great use of it on his farm while supporting his fellow veterans."

Farmer veterans can apply to the coalition Fellowship Fund in order to be considered for donated Kubota Visit www.farmvetco.org.