Kelley Manufacturing Company (KMC) recently made an equipment gift to Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. On hand for the presentation were (l-r): ABAC senior crop and soil science major Patrick Will, dean of the ABAC School of Agriculture and Natural Resources Dr. Mark Kistler, president of KMC Bennie Branch, ABAC President Dr. David Bridges, CEO and Board Chairman of KMC Lanier Carson, and ABAC senior crop and soil science major Michaela Smith.

TIFTON — Kelley Manufacturing Company (KMC) recently donated equipment valued at more than $73,000 to Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, including a KMC 6800 4R Ripper Bedder and a 20-foot KMC Resi-Till.

“The School of Agriculture and Natural Resources is very excited to receive such a generous donation of equipment from KMC,” said Dr. Darby Sewell, assistant vice president for academic affairs.

The 4R Ripper Bedder is equipped with toggle trip shanks and bed shapers. The Resi-Till is a unique type of vertical tillage tool capable of operating in high residue field conditions without producing compaction. Both will be used for educational purposes on the J.G. Woodroof Farm at ABAC.

“The agriculture programs at ABAC have undergone tremendous growth in recent years,” Sewell said. “A key component to the agricultural programs is the opportunity for hands-on, practical learning experiences through laboratories at the ABAC Farm.”

Sewell said KMC continuously assists ABAC’s agricultural programs by providing the latest technology. As equipment becomes dated, KMC swaps it with new and improved equipment.

“We are thankful for the support of KMC and its dedication to helping the college provide a quality education to our students,” Sewell said.

KMC is a 100 percent employee-owned Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company. Many of the employees are ABAC graduates, including its president, Bennie Branch.

“We are very excited about the growth in the agricultural programs at ABAC and are proud to provide this equipment and our continued support,” Branch said.