Farm Rescue, a nonprofit dedicated to aiding farm and ranch families facing crises, will mark 2025 with a year-long celebration of its 20th anniversary.
Founded in 2005 in North Dakota, today Farm Rescue is the only nonprofit organization of its kind that deploys volunteers, equipment, and compassion to farm families facing crises that threaten their operations and legacies.
“When I started Farm Rescue 20 years ago, I had enormous faith that others would join my mission to help farm and ranch families in times of crisis,” Bill Gross, Farm Rescue founder and president, said in a Monday, Jan. 6 news release.
“My faith has been confirmed time and again by the willingness of strangers to lend a hand through their tireless volunteerism, generous financial support, and passionate advocacy,” he added. “Every day for the last two decades, I have seen the Good Samaritan parable brought to life by the blessings of thousands.”
Since its inception, Farm Rescue has supported nearly 1,200 farm and ranch families facing injuries, illnesses, and natural disasters.
Headquartered in Horace, North Dakota, the organization expanded its core planting, haying, and harvesting assistance services. Locations include Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. In addition, it has offered emergency hay deliveries to several states, including Oklahoma and Texas.”
2025 a celebration
“We have designed Farm Rescue’s anniversary celebration to honor all those who have made our work possible. e will start the year by sharing Bill’s inspiring story,” said Dan Erdmann, the nonprofit’s communications director, said in the release. “We will then provide a glimpse into the work of our volunteers, our Angels in Blue.”
He added “We also plan to highlight the perseverance and strength of the families we’ve been humbled to help. At the end of the year, we will thank all our donors and invite everyone to join us.”
Raised on a farm in North Dakota, Mr. Gross was presented with the prestigious Point of Light Point of Light award last October. He was named Daily Point of Light Award No. 7910 by Points of Light for his dedication to volunteer service. Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization. It inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world.
Earlier in May, Farm Rescue tapped Nate Clark, a former John Deere executive and Quad Citizen, as its executive director. Mr. Clark joined the organization after a 20-year career with the Moline-based Deere. He previously served as global director of corporate social responsibility and president of the John Deere Foundation.
Although we have a great deal to celebrate, we know that we can accomplish so much more,” Mr. Gross said reflecting on the milestone year. “My goal for this anniversary is to enlist more volunteers, supporters, and advocates so that we can continue to grow for the next 20 years.”
Farm Rescue currently is accepting applications for assistance. They can be obtained at farmrescue.org or by calling (701) 252-2017.
