ND Department of Agriculture Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARCH 5, 2009

AG DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES DONATE TO FARM RESCUE

BISMARCK – North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) employees have raised more than $1,000 for Farm Rescue to help the North Dakota-based, non-profit organization carry out its mission of helping sick and injured farmers and ranchers with planting and harvesting.

"Our employees conducted two silent auctions and two bake sales to raise the money,” Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson said Thursday, as he presented a check for $1,062 to Bill Gross, founder and president of Farm Rescue. “I think we all agreed there is no better or more appropriate recipient than the outstanding group of people who have done so much to help farmers in need.”

"We appreciate the North Dakota Department of Agriculture staff who used a few good, old-fashioned methods of fundraising to help Farm Rescue,” Gross said. “I am amazed by the variety of initiatives individuals undertake to support our organization. This was a very generous gesture and will benefit farm families throughout the state of North Dakota.”

Johnson said the story of Gross and Farm Rescue has inspired people across North Dakota and the nation.

"Bill Gross and his team of volunteers and supporters have truly rescued almost 70 farm families,” Johnson said. “When farmers and ranchers are injured or ill and cannot plant or harvest their crops, Farm Rescue has come to their aid. It means another family farm will survive.”

Johnson urged all North Dakotans to contribute to Farm Rescue.

"When Farm Rescue saves another farm, they are saving part of who and what North Dakota is all about,” Johnson said. “You can help them in this effort by going to their website – www.farmrescue.org – or calling them at 1-701-252-2017 to make a donation or to volunteer.”

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MEDIA: For more information, please call Ted Quanrud at (701) 328-2233 or tquanrud@nd.gov or Patrice Lahlum at (701) 239-7210 or plahlum@nd.gov.

A picture of the check presentation is available on www.agdepartment.com.  For a higher resolution, jpeg copy, contact Ted Quanrud.

On the Web: www.farmrescue.org.