#United States #Grapevine #Kubota Tractor Coalition #Geared to Give #Farmer Veteran

Celebrating Veterans at Kubota's Annual Meeting

On November 10, 2025, Kubota Tractor Corporation held its annual dealer meeting,
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Kubota Connect, in Grapevine, Texas, where they took the opportunity to honor veterans in a significant way. As part of the company’s commitment to recognizing the service of veterans, Kubota and the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) announced the recipients of the 2025 "Geared to Give" program. This initiative aims to provide U.S. veterans transitioning into agriculture careers with the necessary tools to succeed.

The focus of the event was on five deserving farmer veterans who were awarded new Kubota equipment, highlighting the company's dedication to supporting military families and their reintegration into civilian life. The recipients were celebrated for their service and continued contributions to their communities, embodying the spirit of leadership and resilience.

Honoring the Recipients

The select veterans honored at the event included:

• - Darnell Dugger, a U.S. Army veteran from Griffin, Georgia, who operates Acre Herd Ranch and raises Katahdin sheep using sustainable farming practices. Darnell received an MX5400HST utility tractor.
• - Kyle Londre, a U.S. Army veteran from Wheatland, Missouri, who runs Bearded Horns Ranch with his wife, Karalina, raising Texas Longhorn cattle. He was awarded an RTV-X Crew utility vehicle.
• - Rob Niles, a veteran of the Vermont Army National Guard based in East Hardwick, Vermont, operates an organic maple sugaring business called Wild Woods Maple and received an L02 Series compact tractor.
• - Peter Taylor, a retired U.S. Navy veteran from Sandpoint, Idaho, manages PJT Farm with his family and received a BV4160 PREM round baler.
• - Donnie Woodmansee, a combined service veteran from Ignacio, Colorado, who runs Sambrito Ranches focusing on regenerative ranching practices, was awarded an SVL65-2 compact track loader.

Alex Woods, President of Kubota Tractor Corporation and an Army National Guard veteran himself, articulated the importance of honoring veterans. He noted, "Our nation’s veterans do not just hang up their uniforms when they transition from military service. They step into new roles as leaders, growers, and neighbors. With 'Geared to Give,' we are honored to support their next chapter by providing the equipment they need to keep serving their communities."

The Legacy of the Program

The "Geared to Give" program has been transformative since its inception in 2015. Kubota has contributed over $1.1 million to FVC, assisting veterans through grants and equipment donations. This year alone, the program received nearly 500 applications, showcasing the high level of interest and need.

Kubota has also established exclusive discounts for members of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting the veterans' agricultural journey. The partnership with FVC not only provides equipment but also valuable resources and encouragement to help veterans succeed in their farming endeavors.

Looking Ahead

Continuing their support, Kubota also announced plans to enhance their collaboration with the Boot Campaign, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of veterans and military families. In May 2026, Kubota will reignite fundraising efforts to support life-improving programs for veterans, having previously raised $100,000 through dealership initiatives in 2025.

For veterans interested in applying for the 2026 "Geared to Give" program, further information is available on FVC's website. Kubota also provides numerous resources through their Cares program and invites individuals to connect through their various platforms.

Kubota's initiatives stand as a testament to the unwavering support for veterans, reflecting the belief that every farmer veteran deserves the tools to build their dreams for their families and communities.

Conclusion

Kubota Tractor Corporation’s annual dealer meeting not only served as a platform for recognizing the significant contributions of veterans but also reinforced a commitment to ensuring that these heroes have the support they need to thrive in their post-service lives. With programs like "Geared to Give," Kubota exemplifies corporate responsibility towards veterans, proving that the bonds formed in service extend far beyond the military.