Pink KIOTI tractor powers breast cancer support
Wendell, N.C.-based KIOTI Tractor provided a custom pink paint job to an Indiana customer in support of breast cancer awareness. Paige and Jerry McClure, owners of Tate Orchard, a 100-year-old farm and apple orchard in Peru, Ind., are displaying the KIOTI CK30HST tractor at local events and parades to draw attention to their cause and their farm.
The McClures already used a KIOTI DK55 tractor for most of the primary chores around the orchard. Last fall, the McClures went to Off Duty Ranch, their local KIOTI tractor dealership, to buy a second tractor. Off Duty Ranch part-owner Lyle Woods recommended the CK30HST. “The size was just right, it handled great, and I loved the hydrostatic transmission,” Paige McClure said. “I told Lyle, ‘The only thing that could make this any more perfect is if it were pink’.”
The Peru community embraced the tractor, and Paige McClure was soon being asked to display it at local events and fundraisers and to participate in parades. Because the color pink has been associated with breast cancer awareness campaigns since 1991, the pink tractor seemed to strike a chord with people, McClure said. “Some people look and see a pink tractor, but others look and see a symbol of hope for a breast cancer cure,” she added.
In February, McClure took the tractor to the National Farm Show held in Louisville, Ky. “The fact that one of our tractors is not only helping a customer be more productive, but also to promote and raise money for a good cause, makes the endeavor very fulfilling and something that the entire staff of KIOTI is very proud of,” said Ron Parrish, KIOTI’s market development manager. “We were overwhelmed by the positive support of this effort at this show.” Hundreds of show attendees lined up at the KIOTI booth to have their picture taken near the machine.
The McClures and Off Duty Ranch also are selling T-shirts and other wearables to support breast cancer awareness. For more information, go to the Off Duty Ranch website at www.offdutyranchinc.com.