WENDELL, N.C. —  KIOTI Tractor, a division of Daedong-USA, recently donated a DK5510 HS utility tractor equipped with a KL5510 front end loader to the Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI) for the exclusive use of the Veteran’s Farm of North Carolina, (VFNC). The tractor will be utilized to train local veterans with an interest in agriculture to operate their own farms. 

"KIOTI Tractor has always been committed to giving back, and we particularly enjoy when we can help in our local community," says Peter Dong-Kyun Kim, president and CEO of Daedong-USA, KIOTI Tractor Division. "We are honored to be able to contribute a piece of equipment to such a great organization that will help veterans begin their farm journey."

The Veteran’s Farm of North Carolina works to provide temporary housing and training for soldiers transitioning out of the military with a career interest in agriculture. The organization is located on an established farm in Louisburg where veterans receive hands-on experience in livestock management, growing organic produce, business practices and more. 

“Our funds are limited to provide veterans with the training materials they need to learn the most recent technology and the best skills,” says Kathy Harrelson, treasurer and board member of the Veteran’s Farm of North Carolina. “Having this tractor will give each veteran confidence and modern advantages in training, which translates into being competitive in the marketplace and workforce.” 

The 55 hp tractor from KIOTI’s DK10 Series provides smooth handling and rugged performance allowing veteran farmers to comfortably maneuver the DK5510 HS around the farm without sacrificing productivity. With the KL5510 front end loader addition, this machine is capable of delivering a lift capacity of 2,660 lbs. allowing these veterans to perform various tasks around the farm with ease. 

“It is a great boost in morale for the organizational leadership. To know that a company, such as KIOTI, can be so generous encourages the veterans to see that others in the agriculture community care about their successes,” adds Harrelson.

Produce harvested from the farm is regularly donated to Feeding Franklin, a local food bank working to assist those in need within the community.