Farm Rescue Launches Harvesting Operations 2007
Nonprofit gains nationwide attention for helping farm families in crisis.

JAMESTOWN, N.D., August 1, 2007 — Farm Rescue, a nonprofit organization founded to help farmers in need, has begun harvesting operations for farm families in the Midwest region.


Farm Rescue's mission is to provide planting and harvesting assistance to farm families who have experienced a major illness, injury or act of nature, which has caused financial hardship. The organization has selected several farmers to receive harvesting assistance for reasons including heart bypass surgery, liver transplant, automobile accident, burn injuries, and a natural disaster (tornado).


Farm Rescue continues to accept applications for harvesting. However, farmers are encouraged to apply soon, since capacity is based on funding and only a limited number of spaces are available for the remainder of the year.


Nationwide Attention
Farm Rescue is gaining nationwide attention from the public and the media. Farm Rescue is scheduled to be featured August 9 on the “Today Show”.


The nonprofit is expanding as quickly as possible with the help of volunteers and through donations from the general public, sponsors and foundations.  The nonprofit is unique in that most of the work is completed by volunteers. Volunteers are stepping forward from all over the U.S. to help the organization carry out its mission of helping farm families.


“Individuals and businesses who support Farm Rescue are proud of America’s farmers and want to help them during times of crisis," said Bill Gross founder and president of Farm Rescue. "People are also telling us they want safe food and renewable fuels from crops grown by America’s farmers. Programs like Farm Rescue help ensure this."  


New Sponsors
Donations from businesses, individuals and foundations help to fund overall operations. The largest sponsors are RDO Equipment Company, Bremer, Newman Outdoor Advertising and UPS.  There are presently 80 sponsors that support the organization, which launched operations just two years ago.  


The newest sponsors include: UPS, Forward Communication, Gateway Chevrolet, Ihry Insurance, Nodak Mutual Insurance Company, Peavey (ConAgra Foods), Pioneer Hi-Bred (DuPont), Petermann Seed Inc., and State Bank & Trust.


Innovative Program of the Year
Farm Rescue was named “Innovative Program of the Year” by the North Dakota Association for Nonprofit Organizations.  “We are honored to be recognized as a unique and innovative program,” said Gross.  "We want Farm Rescue to become a household name, so that farmers know they can turn to us for help in a time of crisis.” 


Farm Rescue contact info: 701-526-0947 or info@farmrescue.org