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Matt Biel, left, who lost his right hand and lower arm in a farming accident, watches with his uncle and aunt, Nick and Betty Biel, as volunteers from Farm Rescue plant wheat on his farm near Lefor, N.D.
when it comes to farmers and ranchers. Now, a new oganization is coming to the rescue Farm Rescue. Matt Biel, who farms west of Lefor in southwestern formed nonprofit Organization whose mission is to provide assistance to farm families that have experienced a major illness, injury or an act of nature that has caused undue financial hardship. and lower forearm after getting it caught in a grain auger in early February. After hearing of Farm Rescue, an organization founded by Bill Gross, he applied for assistance. And on a bright, sunny afternoon on April 12, tractors and filled seeders and planted about 900 acres of wheat, giving hope to him as well as other farmers who have suffered tragedies of their own. Seven other farmers in the state have firm commitments to receive free planting assistance this spring from Farm Rescue. Two more farmers received conditional approval for assistance based on available funding. "We needed it (Farm Rescue). We didn’t know where to turn," said Emil Fandrich of farmer who will also receive spring planting assistance this year from Farm Rescue. He was involved in a combine accident and also wears a prosthetic arm. Farm Rescue is a lifesaver for us, Connie Sailer of Dodge, N.D., agreed. We wouldn¹t be able to do this without you. Connie's husband, Kevin, suffered a head injury from a horse last year. They will also get some much appreciated help from Farm Rescue this spring. It is for these unfortunate tragedies that Farm Rescue was created to aid in the strain of continuing a family farm. Gross said the organization is entirely nonprofit and is run 100 percent by volunteers from the operators running the equipment to the individuals who set up the website. The organization also has numerous sponsors who donated everything from machinery to fire extinguishers, according to Gross. Farm Rescue also promotes biodiesel fuel and only uses biodiesel in its equipment, which is also received by donation. "The organization never could have happened if it wasn’t for the support of its sponsors, volunteers and donations received," according to Gross. But it was Gross’ vision that got the ball rolling. Gross grew up in rural pilot. He has been flying a Boeing 747 for UPS to foreign countries for several years, but all the while he has been flying, he has never forgot his roots. It was while flying across the world that Gross envisioned returning to need, in any way he could. At first he thought that would come following his retirement from flying, but with over 20 years left until he rests his wings, that just wasn¹t soon enough. So, with a lot of determination, hard work and some accrued vacation time, Gross’ vision is becoming a reality to the grateful appreciation of several farm families this year. Gross was pleased to see the fruits of his labor come to pass as he, too, watched the volunteers plant wheat at the farm. "This marks the official start to Farm Rescue," said Gross. "No longer is it just farmer helping farmer. We now have an organization to assist in the process." The organization does not give funds to farmers, but rather helps with the labor and other expenses associated with planting crops. Gross hopes that in the future, Farm Rescue will not just include assistance with spring planting, but with fall harvest as well. But for that to happen, the organization will need continued donations and support from businesses and individuals, he said. Businesses may participate as a sponsor, partner or donor. Individuals may participate as volunteers or by simply donating money in any amount. Farm Rescue is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. To find out more information about Farm Rescue, visit their website at at www.farmrescue.org. Those interested in donating or volunteering can contact by mail at Farm Rescue, info@farmrescue.org; by phone at 701-526-0947 or 1-888-267-9096; by fax at 1-888-726-7597. Reprinted with permission of Farm & Ranch Guide. April 27, 2006 |
