Farm Rescue’s Operation Hay Lift was a big success. Launched in the middle of the 2017 drought in the Dakotas and Montana, volunteers transported more than 275 loads of hay, delivering more than 8,000 round bales and driving over 170,000 miles.

"The outpouring of support from sponsors, volunteers and hay donors has been incredible,” says Levi Wielenga, who lined up volunteers and dispatched each load. "Many volunteers served repeatedly throughout even the coldest months to keep our trucks delivering hay where it was needed most."

"Our gratitude goes out to those who made this possible. Each volunteer, hay donor and sponsor was instrumental in creating this reality," says Bill Gross, Farm Rescue founder and president. "Looking forward, we pray for sufficient moisture to provide a bountiful harvest for each farm and ranch family during these challenging economic times."

The following companies provided special funding and equipment for Operation Hay Lift: Ace Towing, Anderson Trucking Services, Beyer Towing, First International Bank & Trust, Haybuster, Hendrickx Onsite Repair, Hess, J.P. Wiest, Oneok, RDO Truck Center, Scheels and Wilson Trailer.

Farm Rescue has helped nearly 550 families since its inception in 2006. The organization's mission is to help farmers and ranchers who have experienced a major illness, injury, or natural disaster by providing the necessary equipment and manpower to plant, hay or harvest their crop. Livestock feeding assistance is also available to ranchers.

Farm Rescue helps farm and ranch families in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska and Iowa.

Applications are currently being accepted for planting assistance, haying assistance and livestock feeding assistance, which can be obtained at 701-252-2017 or farmrescue.org. Referrals are welcome.

Source: Farm Rescue