Farm families facing crisis have a safety net through Farm Rescue, providing critical support during some of the toughest times in agriculture. Executive Director Tim Sullivan says the organization focuses on helping farmers stay in operation during emergencies. “We provide a helping hand up, not a hand out,” Sullivan said. “What we can provide for families that are going through a crisis of injury, illness, or natural disaster, we can have volunteers come in, and we can plant a crop or harvest a crop.” Farm Rescue can also assist with haying, hauling feed to disaster areas, and even replacing lost labor and equipment after storms. Sullivan says support now goes beyond physical challenges. “Mental health plays such a role today,” he said. “If you have a neighbor that you see the crops not being planted in a timely manner or you haven’t talked to that person for a while, it’s important to reach out.” Sullivan says the organization is placing a growing emphasis on stress and suicide prevention in rural communities.
