Farm Rescue’s mission is to help farmers and ranchers who have experienced a major illness, injury, or natural disaster by providing the necessary equipment and volunteer workforce to plant, hay or harvest their crop. Livestock feeding assistance is also available to producers. Farm Rescue gives families a chance to continue their livelihood by providing the necessary equipment and manpower (free of charge) to get the job done.
Farm Rescue helps farm and ranch families in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas. If you know of someone needing assistance or if someone wants to apply, visit https://farmrescue.org/ | Phone: 701-252-2017 | Email: info@farmrescue.org
Terry Johnston, Farm Rescue Development Officer for Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Illinois said the organization assisted several families in Nebraska in 2023 and they would like to serve even more in 2024. Here is a story that Terry shared about a recent assist for a Nebraska family.
A Farm Rescue Story: Hot Out of the Gate by Dan Erdmann - Marketing Program Manager, Farm Rescue, September 29, 2023
It probably goes without saying, there is a tremendous amount of pride flowing through those involved in the Farm Rescue organization. The work being carried out by our dedicated army of volunteers is truly life-changing, and I've had the great honor of seeing that impact firsthand on many occasions throughout my 7-year career with the nonprofit. It's a vantage point I seldom take for granted, as it provides so many reminders of what's truly important in this life and how even the smallest of blessings deserves to be celebrated.
This week, I was privileged to meet a family in south central Nebraska that has been through the ringer these past couple months. Back in July, a faulty battery cable on one of their tractors sparked an overnight shop fire that quickly got out of control. By the time volunteer fire crews arrived, this building containing most of the family's farm equipment and vehicles was beyond saving. Thankfully, no one was injured in the blaze. Insurance won't even come close to replacing all that was lost and ordering any type of equipment now days can be a pretty long process.
With harvest fast approaching, they knew help would be needed. Up the road a few miles, another young farmer named Laura Wilson caught wind of the destruction and wanted to lend a hand. Her "Laura Farms" YouTube channel, which documents her daily life operating a farm with her husband, Grant, and their families, has nearly a half-million subscribers. Laura and Grant highlighted the family's story in one of their videos and reached out to Farm Rescue for additional support. We are privileged to have our volunteers, combine, and grain truck on site this week to bring in the family's soybean crop. Laura and Grant also signed on as volunteers to join our efforts, leaving their own harvest work to be part of our crew on Wednesday. We truly appreciate their time, talents, and awareness support! Despite the devastating fire and recent loss of a close relative, this family remains committed to their farming operation and has maintained a positive outlook throughout each hardship. These are the stories that stick with you and inspire an appreciation for all gifts life has to offer.