John Deere Credit puts New York FFA member in the driver's seat

Thanks to John Deere Credit, Jason Kelsey has even more reason to be excited that his responsibilities on his family's Canastota, New York, dairy operation were recently shifted from cattle feeding to overseeing the regular maintenance of the farm's equipment. That's because Jason's name was randomly drawn as this year's winner of a beautifully restored John Deere 4020 Tractor at the 74th National FFA Convention in Louisville, October 25 through 27. This is the eighth year John Deere Credit has awarded one of these classic tractors to a member of the National FFA organization.

"I'm really excited about winning the tractor," says the 16-year-old son of Maurice and Amy Kelsey. "I heard that last year's winner had offers of up to US$ 35,000 for his 4020, and like him, there's no way I'm selling mine. I've already joined an antique tractor club."

Jason quickly adds that his John Deere 4020 will be more than just a showpiece. In fact, it will be put to good use around the Kelsey farm that features corn, alfalfa, oats and a 250-head herd of registered Holsteins.

"I'm going to use the tractor to ted and rake hay, maybe to haul silage in from the field," he says. "I'll tell you one thing, I'm not going to haul manure with it. I don't want to do anything that might mess up that nice green paint."

Jason represents the fourth generation to live and work on the Kelsey farm in central New York. His goal is to pass his John Deere 4020 to the next generation.

"I want to keep this tractor and some day will it to my children," he says.

Jason's future is focused on agriculture, and even John Deere. After finishing high school, he plans to take advantage of one of the John Deere Career Partnership Programs. He would like to gain the sponsorship of a partnering dealership and go through the two-year Ag Tech degree program offered by John Deere and the State University of New York - Cobleskill College of Agriculture and Technology.

Ryan Steenblock, John Deere Credit Division Manager of Ag. Market Development, says his company is delighted to present the tractor to Jason Kelsey.

"Young people like Jason are the reason why our company has actively supported FFA for many years," he says. "We realize the contributions we make to this outstanding organization and its members are returned many times over in the contributions they ultimately make to society and especially to the agricultural community."

John Deere Credit is one of the largest equipment finance companies in the U.S. with more than 500,000 accounts and managed asset portfolio of more than US$ 13 billion. It provides retail, wholesale, and lease financing, offering credit for agricultural, construction, commercial, and consumer equipment - including lawn and grounds care and recreational equipment - and revolving credit for agricultural inputs and services.