Becomes first female veteran to do so under “Geared To Give” program
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com
As part of its joint “Geared To Give” program with the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) that provides financial support and equipment to American military veterans pursuing careers in agriculture, Kubota awarded a tractor to Julie Hollars.
Hollars received a Kubota L-Series compact tractor and is the first female veteran to receive one through the program.
Julie Hollars receives her Kubota tractor
“As a member of FVC’s fellowship program, we have watched Julie’s farm grow over the years and today we couldn’t be more proud of her efforts,” said Michael O'Gorman, executive director of FVC in a release. “Julie is exactly the type of farmer veteran our organization helps to serve – she’s a fifth-generation farmer with a passion to grow her family-owned business into a thriving success and just needs a little help to do so. We are honored that Julie is our first female ‘Geared to Give’ recipient.”
She currently operates Farbotnik Farm in Vallecito, located in California’s Calaveras County; the farm produces peaches, pears, plums, pomegranates, persimmons, cherries, walnuts, almonds, apples, figs and Vallecito Wax peppers.
Hollars said with some of the equipment on her farm being at least 20 years old, the addition of the Kubota tractor will help mechanize some of the work that’s been done by hand.
About Julie Hollars
- She enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1988 and served for 20 years
- Began as an Aviation Machinist Mate for SH-60 Helicopters
- Was among the first women allowed onto an aircraft carrier
- A disability forced her retirement in 2008 after reaching Chief Petty Officer status
Farms.com would like to congratulate Julie on receiving her tractor and thank her for serving the United States.
Other veterans looking for careers in agriculture are encouraged to visit AgWarriors.