Harvesting Help For Napoleon Family
By Jessica Bauman

The 2008 harvesting season is well underway and Farm Rescue is back in action. Farm Rescue doubled the number of families assisted for the spring planting season this year compared to the spring of 2007. Twenty-eight family farmers were helped this spring because of major injuries, illnesses and natural disasters.

As for the harvesting season this year, Farm Rescue has now helped two families so far. The Reed Zimmerman family of rural Napoleon, Reed, Kathleen, Kelsie (11), Kyle (9), Kayla (8) and Kelly (6), was the second family in need of help. Reed's wife, Kathleen, was in a vehicle accident on June 11. She broke her foot and can't put any pressure on it for at least another two weeks. Kathleen helps on the family farm by driving truck, getting parts and other errands.

One of the Zimmerman's neighbor friends called Farm Rescue Founder, Bill Gross, about Kathleen's accident. The Zimmerman's were approved for assistance and volunteers started harvesting on August 8. "I've heard about Farm Rescue from advertisements on the radio, but never expected to have to call," said Kathleen.

Two Farm Rescue volunteers helped harvest 200 acres of winter wheat for the Zimmerman's. Depending on the weather, 200 acres of rye will be harvested, as well.

Volunteer, Charles Bartsch said, "To be able to help others in need, it's a good thing to do. I'll help as long as my health is good and I'm able to." Bartsch started volunteering when Gene Sphichke, another volunteer, told him about the organization. "We work our whole lives and now [after retirement] we can help our fellow man," said Spichke.

Farm Rescue assistance is made possible by donations from individuals, small businesses and corporations. RDO Equipment Company donates the machinery Farm Rescue uses. Other local sponsors are South Central Grain, Cenex of Napoleon and Wishek and Stan Puklich.

Farm Rescue is planning on helping an estimated eight families throughout ND, SD and MN this harvest season. "It's a good deal. Accidents happen and Farm Rescue helps a lot. We really appreciate it," commented Reed Zimmerman.

Reprinted with Permission of the Napoleon Homestead, August 13, 2008.