Area farmers get brand new trucks

KENTLAND, Ind. (WLFI) - A program designed to put Americans back to work is doing exactly that.

A free truck: Kentland farmer Chad Markley could not believe it when his district sales manager told him the good news.

"That is what go me excited about it,” said Markley. "I was hearing from him that I had an opportunity to get a truck that I could use on my farm."

Markley is one of more than 400 farmers who have taken part in Channel Bio's Putting America Back to Work program. Organizers from the seed company said the plan is designed to help out two industries hard hit by the economic downturn: agriculture and automotive.

"It has allowed me to actually sell another vehicle and put two vehicles to use on my farm,” said Markley. “When it is spring and fall they will both be utilized on my farm. It has been a great opportunity for me."

Channel Bio is teaming up with Emerson-Sondgerath GM in Kentland to hand out this farm necessity. White Chevy trucks come off the GM line and go straight to the dealership. They are outfitted with the Channel logo, then it is off to the farm they go.

"They actually bring the truck right to the growers farm and hand them the keys” said Channel Bio's Executive Assistant Annette Bruch. “Kind of a personalized message for our growers."

Growers like Chad Markley said that personal touch is well-received.

"The opportunities that they have given to the American farmer and to the auto industry is a great opportunity," said Markley.

Channel Bio Executive Assistant Annette Bruch says there are two ways area farmers qualify for the free Chevy: a farmer could have either continued to do business with the company over the years, or increased their seed acres.