Farm Rescue visits Farm Bureau Park at Iowa State Fair to accept $10,000 gift 

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) today announced a $10,000 gift to Farm Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides on-farm assistance to farm families who have experienced a major injury, illness or natural disaster.  Today is Farm Bureau Day at the Iowa State Fair, and Farm Rescue staff and volunteers will be stationed in Farm Bureau Park to meet with fairgoers and share their mission and success stories.  

“To make it as a farmer today requires a strong work ethic, tenacity and the determination to overcome countless challenges, but some of life’s challenges can be too much to overcome alone. That’s why we’re so appreciative of Iowa Farm Bureau’s support which will help connect us with a greater number of Iowa farm families that may need assistance with planting or harvesting or feeding their livestock if they are unable,” said Terry Johnston, Farm Rescue development officer. “We are excited to be at Farm Bureau Park and visit with farmers about how we can help them overcome these challenges.”

Farm Rescue’s services include planting, haying, harvest, grain hauling and livestock feeding assistance to farm families during times of extreme need, all at no cost, thanks to a generous collective of volunteers.  Farm Rescue’s volunteers, oftentimes farmers themselves, are trained to operate Farm Rescue’s farm equipment to help families remain farming and persevere through times of crisis.  

Founded in 2005 and now serving seven midwestern states, Farm Rescue assisted its 1000th farm family earlier this summer.  Today, Farm Rescue is equipped to assist 80-100 farm families each year, and Iowa Farm Bureau’s donation will help Farm Rescue deploy even more volunteers to farms in Iowa. 

“Farmers and Iowa’s rural communities are known for supporting each other and lending a helping hand during tough times,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson. “Our partnership with Farm Rescue is a natural fit and aligns with the Iowa Farm Bureau mission to support farm families and their communities.  We commend the organization and its volunteers for their dedication and support of farm families.” 

To apply or to refer a family to Farm Rescue’s mobile farming operation and services, visit farmrescue.com or call 701-252-2017.