Nonprofit Farm Rescue expands

By Jonathan Knutson, The Forum
Published Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Farm Rescue is expanding into surrounding states.

The nonprofit organization, which helps sick and injured North Dakota farmers plant their crops, now plans to do the same for Minnesota, South Dakota and Montana farmers who live within 50 miles of the North Dakota border.

“We’re in a position this year of being able to help farmers who live out of state near the border,” said Bill Gross, Farm Rescue’s president and founder.

Farm Rescue, which Gross launched last year, helped 10 North Dakota farmers plant their crops in 2006.

The organization now has 53 sponsors, up from 20 a year ago.

That allows Farm Rescue to broaden its scope, said Gross, who grew up on a farm near Cleveland, N.D., lives in Seattle and flies freight for UPS.

He’s optimistic about helping 13 to 15 farmers this year.

Farm Rescue is taking applications for the 2007 planting season. The deadline to apply is March 15.

For more information, go to www.farmrescue.org.

Gross said Farm Rescue already has several applications for help and that he expects more as the deadline nears.

The organization also could use more volunteers, he said.

Farm Rescue, using donations and volunteers, will provide fuel, equipment and manpower. The farmers will provide their own seed and fertilizer.

Readers can reach Forum reporter Jonathan Knutson at (701) 241-5530

Reprinted with permission of The Forum.  January 30, 2007