As many farm families know, there are seasons when life is put on the back burner – during planting and harvesting, for example. However, sometimes, life is derailed, and farm work falls to second place. That’s when Farm Rescue is there to step into the picture. 

“The premise of Farm Rescue is based on neighbors helping neighbors,” said Terry Johnston, development officer for Farm Rescue. “We support farm families in any way we can to get them through whatever rough patch they’re facing.” 

Beginning in July 2024, farmers across the state of Wisconsin will have access to Farm Rescue services when they experience a major illness, injury or natural disaster. A nonprofit organization, Farm Rescue provides free planting, haying, harvesting, commodity hauling and livestock feeding assistance.  

“Wisconsin farmers – soybean growers included – are fortunate to now have access to Farm Rescue’s assistance when life throws a curveball their way,” Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board President Patrick Mullooly said.  

Founded in 2005 by Bill Gross, a North Dakota native who wasn’t able to return to his family farm and went on to become a Boeing 747 captain for UPS, Farm Rescue has assisted more than 1,000 farm and ranch families since its inception. With the addition of Wisconsin, the organization serves farm families in nine states – Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. 

“Farm Rescue is very thankful for the unwavering support from our family of supporters in helping us grow our service area,” said Gross. “We look forward to extending a helping hand to farm families in crisis within the state of Wisconsin.” 

In his role as development officer, Johnston encourages organizations and individuals to financially support Farm Rescue, recruits volunteers and helps identify families that need assistance. 

“We have over 600 volunteers from 49 states with all different skill levels,” Johnston said. “They show up when the work needs to be done, running the equipment and supporting the family in need.” 

For more information about Farm Rescue’s mission, or to learn how you can support the organization, whether that be through volunteering or financial assistance, please visit https://farmrescue.org/. 

“We ask for and appreciate the support of the folks in Wisconsin,” Johnston said. “We want to keep farm families earning their living through a tough period. So, supporting Farm Rescue any way you can helps make sure that we keep those farm families going and help the next generation have access to that legacy.”