Farm Rescue, a nonprofit organization that provides planting, haying, harvesting and livestock feeding assistance free of charge to farm and ranch families who have experienced a major illness, injury or natural disaster, was helping with its 800th assistance case this week.
The farm of Eugene and Katie Birklid, near Fort Ransom, ND, was the site of this milestone service event. Eugene recently underwent his fourth brain surgery to combat a problematic cyst. This intensive procedure requires up to 6 weeks of recovery, which conflicts with the family’s crucial harvest operations.
Farm Rescue provided equipment and volunteers to assist with harvesting the Birklid’s soybean crop on Sunday and Monday.
Katie said, “I was very worried how we were going to do harvest this fall. My friends told me that I should apply for Farm Rescue. And, at first, I was scared to ask for help because it’s hard for me to ask for help. But, I just decided ‘we need to do this’ and the process was easy, and so, it’s been a huge relief.”
Farm Rescue assisted its very first family in 2006. Since then, the nonprofit has continued adding services to help a larger number of rural families stricken by unexpected crises. The organization now serves seven states, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas.
Reaching the 800 mark is the result of a tremendous collaborative effort from volunteers, sponsors, donors and staff, who fulfill the patriotic and compassionate mission of Farm Rescue.
“The altruistic mission of Farm Rescue continues to have a positive impact throughout farming and ranching communities,” said Bill Gross, Founder & President, Farm Rescue. “It has been a great honor to partner with donors, sponsors and volunteers to provide vital assistance to 800 families who have experienced unexpected crises.”
Farm Rescue is currently accepting applications for harvest assistance throughout its entire 7-state service territory. Any farm family experiencing a major injury, illness or natural disaster is encouraged to submit an application at farmrescue.org or by calling 701-252-2017. Referrals are also welcome.
Farm Rescue News Release, Rusty Halvorson reporting
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