Farm Rescue extends help beyond the borders

By Sue Roesler, Farm & Ranch Guide
Friday, February 16, 2007 10:04 AM CST

BISMARCK, N.D. - At least six farmers who had serious illnesses or injuries last year could not be helped by Farm Rescue because their farms extended across the border into bordering states.

That will all change this year, says Bill Gross, the founder of Farm Rescue.

The all-volunteer organization pitched in last year to help 10 farmers across North Dakota plant their seed. Up to 1,000 acres were planted by volunteers who seeded the acres. RDO Equipment provided use of a tractor and seeder.

“In 2006, we had at least six family farmers that were just across the border of North Dakota,” said Gross. Farm Rescue could not provide assistance to them, but the board looked at ways to help them in 2007.

These families definitely needed assistance, said Gross. “One was getting a liver transplant and another had an accident which resulted in two broken legs.”

This year, anyone living within 50 miles of the border of North Dakota, with the exception of the Canadian border, can and is encouraged to apply.

The deadline to apply for assistance is April 1, Gross said.

Farmers may remain anonymous if they wish and all information is kept confidential, Gross said, adding he realizes that is something important to producers.

“Farmers are mainly independent and humble people. They tend to not ask for assistance,” he said.

However, the Farm Rescue organization was designed to help farmers, and they need to submit an application to have an opportunity to receive assistance.

Last year, 10 farmers were helped. All were recovering from serious injuries or illnesses, and were grateful to have people who could help with the planting. As every farmer knows, time is critical when the seed needs to go in the ground.

Gross said the non-profit organization relies on donations as well as business and corporate sponsorships.

“We can always use some additional volunteers and it would be really great to have more experienced tractor and truck operators,” he said.

This year the organization wants to try to conduct some harvesting operations in the fall. “Of course, this is dependent on funding for the Farm Rescue program,” Gross added.

“We hope to help at least 40 percent more farmers in 2007. That would be at least 14 family farmers,” Gross said.

Those farmers with serious illness or injuries or had an act of nature that caused serious hardship are urged to apply by clicking on applications at http://farmrescue.org (one can be printed right from the site) or calling 1-701-526-0947 to have one mailed.  

Reprinted with permission of Farm & Ranch Guide. February 16, 2007