Local Navy veteran receives free Kubota track loader

GREENVILLE—A local U.S. Navy veteran received a new Kubota SVL65-2 compact track loader last week through Kubota Tractor Corporation's Geared to Give program, a partnership with the Farmer Veteran Coalition that supports military veterans pursuing careers in agriculture.

Justin Butts of Berne was one of just five farmer veterans selected nationwide to receive equipment through this year's program. He served four years in the U.S. Navy, including deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and operations off the Somali Coast.

Representatives from Kubota Tractor Corporation and Greenville dealer Townline Equipment presented the equipment during a special delivery ceremony at Black Wind Farm, Butt’s 104-acre regenerative farming operation focused on ecological restoration, heritage livestock and strengthening local food systems.

The new compact track loader will help support the farm's daily operations and future growth.

“Geared to Give is about honoring veterans not only for their military service, but also for the meaningful impact they continue to make in their communities through agriculture,” said Alex Woods, president of Kubota Tractor Corporation and a veteran of the Army National Guard.

“We are proud to support their next chapter with equipment that can help grow their operations for years to come,” added Woods.

The 2026 Geared to Give program received more than 700 applications through the Farmer Veteran Coalition’s Fellowship Fund, and in the end, one recipient was selected in each of Kubota’s five operating divisions across the country.

In addition to receiving new Kubota equipment, the five farmer veteran recipients and their guests attended last month’s NASCAR San Diego Weekend, including the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race and the NASCAR Cup Series race, participated in a meet and greet with Ross Chastain and the Trackhouse Racing team, received a behind-the-scenes tour of the Trackhouse Racing garage, and took part in a special pre-race ceremony at the NASCAR Experience Stage where they were recognized and presented with ceremonial keys to their new equipment.

Since the Geared to Give program launched in 2015, Kubota has donated 56 pieces of equipment to farmer veterans across the country, helping veterans build successful agricultural businesses after their military service.