Woods, a leading manufacturer of innovative, high-quality precision cutting and agricultural tractor attachments, is proud to announce its partnership with the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC). FVC assists veterans and currently serving members of the armed forces as they embark on careers in agriculture. As part of the partnership, Woods is donating its one-of-a-kind “Old Glory” Batwing cutter to FVC’s Fellowship Fund.

The limited-edition, 15-foot rotary cutter was assembled in Oregon, Illinois, by Woods employees, including military veterans. Wrapped in patriotic red, white and blue, Old Glory was custom designed to recognize the service of military men and women.

“The Old Glory Batwing cutter is one of our most beloved pieces of Woods equipment,” said Kristin Fritts, marketing director at Woods. “Through our partnership with FVC, we’re excited for Old Glory to make a big impact on the life of one lucky veteran or military member.”

Now through Feb. 14, 2023, FVC's Fellowship Fund is accepting applications for the Old Glory Batwing cutter. Once the application period ends, an advisory panel of agricultural industry professionals will convene to review submissions. A single recipient is then selected and announced in the spring.

The Fellowship Fund is a grant program that provides direct assistance to veterans and military members who are in their beginning years of farming or ranching. Since 2011, the Fellowship Fund has awarded nearly $4 million in equipment and financial support to more than 930 veterans in agriculture.

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"We are proud to have many military veterans on the Woods team," said Todd Hall, president of Woods. "This is a great opportunity for us to help active military and veteran service members transition from protecting our country to cultivating the land."

Old Glory boasts the same high-quality features that every Woods Batwing cutter is known for, including:

  • Unique blade design, ideal for cutting tall grasses and saplings up to 3 inches in diameter
  • The Woods SmartLift system for easy tractor hook up
  • Rounded wings that easily maneuver around obstacles and slice through tall brush while a curved leading edge shrugs off impact
  • Gearbox seal technology that reduces leaks and downtime
  • A steel tube around the perimeter that absorbs shock and creates a stronger, longer-lasting machine
  • The Woods EZ-Change blade system, which allows blade changes in the field from the top of the deck
  • Strategically placed, welded baffles that cut and distribute debris evenly

FVC Executive Director Jeanette Lombardo says it’s an honor to welcome Woods Equipment as a supporter of the Fellowship Fund. “We are excited to partner with Woods in support of farmer veterans and get them the equipment they need,” Lombardo said.

For a chance to receive Old Glory, veterans and members of the military should apply for FVC’s Fellowship Fund by Feb. 14, 2023. Applicants must be members of FVC to apply. FVC membership is free and requires no sign-up fee. The Fellowship Fund application consists of short answers and essay questions, and all application details are listed on the Fellowship Fund section of FVC’s website.

This article was written by Holly Wachtendonk on behalf of Woods Equipment.