Farm Rescue aids families facing crisis

Carl Benck of Fountain Prairie, Wisconsin, began volunteering with Farm Rescue in 2023 after retiring from a 40-year farming career.

Benck uses his experience with tractors, combines, and other farm equipment to help families in the Midwest who are unable to farm due to illness, injury, or natural disasters. He has assisted with planting and harvesting on hundreds of acres, including after a tornado in southwest Iowa where he and another volunteer planted 600 acres of soybeans.

Farm Rescue actively seeks out farms needing assistance, often contacting local John Deere dealerships to identify families who would benefit from their services. Farmers are often hesitant to request help, making the organization’s proactive approach particularly valuable. The group recognizes that modern farming operations are large and sparsely populated, making it difficult for neighbors to provide the necessary assistance.

Shari Rogge-Fidler, executive director of Farm Rescue, explained the organization fills a crucial role by allowing families to focus on recovery during difficult times. Since its founding over 20 years ago, Farm Rescue has aided 1,300 families across 11 states, relying on volunteers with extensive equipment experience to ensure work is completed correctly and efficiently. Farmers appreciate skilled operators, and Benck often receives assignments based on his specific expertise with certain machinery.