Farm Rescue, a nonprofit organization that provides free planting, haying, harvesting, commodity hauling and livestock feeding assistance to farm families who have experienced a major illness, injury or natural disaster, will soon complete its 1,000th assistance case.
The farm of Brad Pifer will be the site of this milestone service event. Early this spring, the Pifer farmstead was decimated by an EF3 tornado, which destroyed buildings, grain storage and equipment. The family’s home was also damaged beyond repair. Without the use of vital harvest machinery, the Pifers decided to apply for assistance through the Midwest-based nonprofit. Farm Rescue is honored to provide equipment and volunteers to help bring in the family’s winter wheat crop.
On June 27, 2023, Farm Rescue will be hosting an event to commemorate its 1,000th family. This will take place from 10:00am – 4:00pm at the Pifer farm, located at 11398 N. 1800th St, Palestine, IL. Representatives from several major sponsors of the nonprofit will be in attendance, including John Deere and Nutrien Ag Solutions, along with Founder & President, Bill Gross, Farm Rescue volunteers and staff.
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 eight states, including Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Reaching the 1,000 mark is the result of a tremendous collaborative effort from volunteers, staff, donors and sponsors, who fulfill the patriotic and compassionate mission of Farm Rescue. The generosity of major business sponsors, like John Deere, Nutrien Ag Solutions, The Engelstad Foundation and Anheuser-Busch has been especially impactful in reaching this service milestone.
“America and the world depend upon the prosperity of our nation’s hard-working farm families,” said Nate Clark, Global Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at John Deere and President of the John Deere Foundation. “With Farm Rescue and its selfless volunteers, we stand beside these families during their most challenging times. Our support of Farm Rescue is simple – it’s about treating people with the respect, dignity, and care they deserve.”
“Agriculture is an extremely rewarding industry to be part of. However, this field can be vulnerable to many unpredictable circumstances and challenges. Our priority at Nutrien Ag Solutions is always people, so knowing that Farm Rescue is there to lend growers a helping hand when times are tough helps give us peace of mind,” says Rob Clayton, Senior Vice President of Nutrien Ag Solutions North America. “We are proud to be a part of and celebrate this amazing milestone of 1,000 families helped by this great organization and look forward to continuing to support the great work they do for growers and their families.”
“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 1,000 families who have experienced unexpected crises. We look forward to serving many more farmers and ranchers in the future.”
Farm Rescue is currently accepting applications for assistance throughout its entire 8-state service territory. Any farm family experiencing a major illness, injury or natural disaster is encouraged to submit an application at farmrescue.org or by calling 701-252-2017. Referrals are also welcome.
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