BLAIR, NEBRASKA (March 21, 2024). Today is National Farm Rescuer Day. This shines a spotlight on the indispensable support provided to Nebraska’s agricultural community, particularly during periods of adversity such as prolonged droughts. These challenges have notably affected regions like Washington County and Blair, impacting crop yields and livestock health. The day celebrates the dedication of volunteers and the critical role of emergency assistance programs, such as those offered by the Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency, which provide both financial and technical support to mitigate the effects of natural disasters on farming and livestock operations.
Volunteers play a pivotal role in this support system, offering not just their labor for planting, harvesting, and livestock care, but also providing emotional support to farming families during tough times. Their efforts are vital in maintaining the operations of affected farms, ensuring that Nebraska’s agricultural sector remains resilient. National Farm Rescuer Day serves as a reminder of the strength of community and the collective effort required to sustain the agricultural backbone of regions like Blair and Washington County.
And, in the heart of America’s agricultural landscape, Nebraska stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its farm families. However, when unexpected challenges such as illness, injury, or natural disasters strike, the resilience of these hardworking individuals is put to the test. Enter Farm Rescue, an organization dedicated to providing a helping hand to those in need, ensuring that adversity does not lead to a halt in agricultural productivity. Since extending its services to Nebraska in 2017, Farm Rescue has become a pivotal force in supporting the state’s agricultural community.
Dan Erdmann, the Marketing Program Manager for Farm Rescue, sheds light on the organization’s mission and impact. “I believe Nebraska has been part of our service territory since 2017,” Erdmann states, highlighting the recent history yet significant impact Farm Rescue has made in the state. The organization’s primary services, driven by a dedicated force of volunteers, include planting, haying, and harvest support for families facing major injuries, illnesses, or natural disasters. Erdmann emphasizes the adaptability and scope of their operations, noting, “we also provide occasional hay hauling support in response to natural disasters like drought, wildfire, and flooding.”
One of Farm Rescue’s notable initiatives was ‘Operation Hay Lift,’ launched in response to catastrophic flooding in 2019. This campaign was a concerted effort to deliver essential livestock feed to ranchers in affected areas, including Columbus and Richland, NE. “This may be a bit further west of you, but we spearheaded a hay relief campaign back in 2019 called ‘Operation Hay Lift’ to deliver livestock feed to ranchers impacted by catastrophic flooding,” Erdmann recalls, underlining the organization’s commitment to responding to immediate needs within the farming community.
The impact of Farm Rescue’s efforts is profound, with nearly 100 Nebraska farm families receiving support to date. The organization’s reach extends beyond immediate disaster response to ongoing support through its primary assistance services. “We’ve also provided our usual planting, haying and harvest support to many other areas of the state,” Erdmann notes, illustrating the broad scope of Farm Rescue’s mission.
Recently, Farm Rescue initiated another ‘Operation Hay Lift’ campaign to aid ranch families in the North Platte area and beyond, affected by wildfires. “We recently launched another Operation Hay Lift campaign to deliver hay to ranch families in the North Platte, NE area that was recently impacted by wildfire,” says Erdmann, highlighting the organization’s swift response to emerging crises. This initiative also extends to families in Texas and western Oklahoma, demonstrating Farm Rescue’s expansive reach and dedication to the agricultural community across state lines.
As Farm Rescue continues to accept applications for both ‘Operation Hay Lift’ for wildfire victims and spring planting assistance, the organization stands as a beacon of hope for Nebraska’s farm families. Through the selfless efforts of volunteers and the leadership of individuals like Dan Erdmann, Farm Rescue embodies the spirit of community and resilience. In the face of adversity, Farm Rescue ensures that Nebraska’s agricultural heart continues to beat strong, supporting the very backbone of America’s food supply.
