Despite a relatively early Spring snowmelt by North Dakota standards, it has been a long, slow climb to warm enough conditions for planting. However, this week, the temperatures have finally hit the mid-upper 60’s, and the well of our local farmers’ pent-up industrious energy has finally found an outlet. Work has begun in earnest, and even the first of the sugar beet fields are being planted. It feels good to get back to work.
Farm Rescue’s army of Angels in Blue are already hitting the ground running helping with planting. Here is a small sample of some of the situations in which we are currently lending a helping hand. In Balfour, ND, a man received surgery on his spine after a back injury suffered in last Fall’s harvest. A New Sharon, IA farmer needed help taking care of planting while undergoing cancer treatments at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. More cases are always coming in, and we are busy preparing to send help where it is needed most.
I’d also like to take this time as the new Volunteer Coordinator here at Farm Rescue to say hello to the readers of our Weekly Reports. I hope these messages help paint a vivid picture of the impact our staff, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters are having in the Ag community. I look forward to keeping you informed in the coming days.
Respectfully,
-James LaPlante
Volunteer Coordinator
