“We run red equipment anyway, so these will fit right in,” quipped Tucker, who farms 2,000 acres of row crops and 1,000 acres of hay and pasture with his father, Lamar. “This little DX33 is going to come in handy around the barn and shop, helping us get into tight little places.”

The Tucker’s 11-month-old daughter, Kylee, will make good use of the pedal tractor.

The AFBF Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who excel in their farming or ranching operations and exhibit superior leadership abilities.

“J and Betsy represent the bright future of American agriculture,” says Dave Dell, senior director of marketing for consumer and livestock products at Case IH. “They combine community involvement, a commitment to agriculture and farm management savvy, essential characteristics of outstanding farmers. Case IH is honored to be associated with such innovative agricultural leaders.”

In addition to row crops and pasture, the Tucker family’s operation involves 200 head of beef cattle, a grain elevator operation, a small trucking business and a custom applicator business.

“We also do some custom dozer work on the side,” added Tucker.

Tucker is involved with the Giles County Farm Bureau, the Soil Conservation Board in Giles County and Tennessee Valley Agri-Energy. He is also a 4-H volunteer and plants corn and soybean test plots for the University of Tennessee Extension every year.