HANCOCK COUNTY — A local farm that donates a portion of its produce to feed the hungry received free farm equipment valued at $20,000.
Brandywine Creek Farms of Central Indiana received a Kubota L3301 tractor and a Land Pride tiller in a ceremony at its farm in Greenfield on Thursday. Founder Jonathan Lawler thanked the company, saying the tractor is the perfect size for transporting to its smaller farm properties in Indianapolis.
Brandywine Creek Farms, 5332 N. County Road 400E, Greenfield, and its founders, Jonathan and Amanda Lawler, were recognized by the employees and leadership team of Kubota Tractor Corporation’s northern division office in Groveport, Ohio, for their dedication to growing and donating fresh produce to feed those in need in their community.
Brandywine Creek Farms donates the food it produces to local food pantries including Gleaners Food Bank, Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen and The Flanner House of Indianapolis, among other organizations. The farm also works with new farmers, especially working with veterans and people who need a second chance, Jonathan Lawler said.
The farm’s mission to feed the hungry supports Kubota’s philanthropic efforts to collaborate with organizations that work with and shape the earth in ways that help their communities thrive, according to a news release. The donation is a part of the “Kubota Cares” program, dedicated to powering and empowering those who move the earth.
MacAllister Machinery of Indianapolis will donate maintenance on the tractor, officials said.
Receiving the new machine will save the farm $900 a month, because it replaces a tractor the farm was leasing, Jonathan Lawler said.
Aaron Riley, a recent Eastern Hancock High School graduate, works as the farm manager-in-training at the Greenfield farm. He was enthusiastic about receiving the tractor, not only because it will help the farm but because it shows the message of the organization’s mission is getting out.
“The more people are aware of what we’re doing, the more will be willing to help out,” he said.
