Representatives from KMC and ABAC at the presentation of the new KMC Rip Strip included (l-r): Jimmy Tomberlin from KMC, KMC president Bennie Branch, KMC CEO Lanier Carson, ABAC faculty member Ray Lundy, Charles Sumner from KMC, ABAC president David Bridges, ABAC School of Agriculture and Natural Resources Dean Mark Kistler, ABAC farm manager Trey Davis, ABAC student Taylor Elliott from Barney, ABAC student Chase Berry from Covington, and ABAC faculty member Von Peavy.

TIFTON — Thanks to the generosity of Kelley Manufacturing Company (KMC), students at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will utilize a new piece of equipment on the J.G. Woodroof Farm at ABAC.

Dr. Mark Kistler, dean of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources at ABAC, said KMC has donated a new KMC 4R Rip Strip to ABAC.

“It’s the latest that KMC has,” Kistler said. “When they develop something new, they’ll bring it out here and replace what we have. We are very appreciative of what Kelley Manufacturing Company does for ABAC.”

KMC CEO Lanier Carson, a longtime supporter of the college, said the company is always willing to help ABAC.

“It’s an ever-changing world,” Carson said. “Technology is always changing. Any way that we can help, we’re going to do it because we want an education in agriculture at ABAC to be the best it can be.

KMC president Bennie Branch, an ABAC alumnus, echoed those sentiments.

“KMC is very excited about the growth in agricultural programs at ABAC, and we would like to assist in helping to provide a good educational experience in any way we can,” Branch said. “The Rip Strip is equipped with reset on-the-go shanks, various tillage components, and planter lift assist beams. Its ease of use and adjustment is far superior to the older version.”

ABAC farm manager Trey Davis said ABAC students will use the Rip Strip in the spring when they plant educational plots and when they plant corn on the Woodroof Farm. In the future, it will be used in the planting of a full range of row crops.