ALEXANDRIA, Minn. — Alex Power Equipment of Alexandria, Minn., participated in Kubota's “Geared to Give” program in awarding a tractor to farmer and veteran David McArdle of Hoffman, Minn. The program is in partnership with the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC).

McArdle, a U.S. Navy veteran who served in Iraq and medically retired in 2006, is the owner of McArdle’s Market Garden, Now in his second year, David is operating a 3-acre market garden and micro orchard, growing fruit, trees, flowers, berries and vegetables, as well as laying hens. With plans to add another 2 acres and a vision to expand his fruit and vegetable production, David’s new Kubota tractor will be used for chores such as adding compost to beds, and to ultimately install and remove posts to prepare for more beds.

“This program empowers farmer veterans to achieve their dreams,” said Alex Woods, Kubota vice president of sales operations, supply chain and parts. “We encourage more veterans to visit their local Kubota dealerships, meet their dealer and learn more about the program, and how Kubota products can help them bring their farming operations to the next level.”

Michael O'Gorman, executive director of FVC, echoed the sentiment. “When I meet with veterans whose lives are positively impacted by the work of the Fellowship Fund, I see firsthand what having the right tools can do to enrich their farming operations. And, there truly is no greater gift for a farmer just starting out than a tractor. We are proud to continue the important work with Kubota’s help of reaching veterans in farming communities across the country.”

In addition, Firebird Products, a Kubota supplier for aftermarket accessories, donated Kubota-orange canopies for each tractor, which will help shield the operators from the elements. “We are proud to support our veterans,” said Brad Curd, owner of Firebird Products. “We are thankful for our partnership with Kubota, a company that enables us to support giving back to farmer veterans in this way.”

Each year, farmer veterans can apply to the FVC Fellowship Fund in order to be considered for donated Kubota equipment through the “Geared to Give” program. For more information on FVC’s 2019 application process, visit www.farmvetco.org. For more information on the “Geared to Give” program, visit www.kubotacares.com.