HORACE – On Monday, Farm Rescue rang in the New Year by announcing a year-long celebration of its 20th anniversary.

Farm Rescue is the only nonprofit organization of its kind that deploys volunteers, equipment and compassion to farm and ranch families facing crises that threaten their operations and legacies, according to information from the nonprofit organization.

“When I started Farm Rescue 20 years ago, I had enormous faith that others would join my mission to help farm and ranch families in times of crisis,” said Bill Gross, founder and president of Farm Rescue. “My faith has been confirmed time and again by the willingness of strangers to lend a hand through their tireless volunteerism, generous financial support and passionate advocacy. Every day for the last two decades, I have seen the Good Samaritan parable brought to life by the blessings of thousands.”

Over 20 years, Farm Rescue has supported nearly 1,200 farm and ranch families facing injuries, illnesses and natural disasters. Since starting in North Dakota, Farm Rescue has expanded its core planting, haying and harvesting assistance services to Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. To these programs, Farm Rescue has offered emergency hay deliveries to several states, including Oklahoma and Texas.

“We have designed Farm Rescue’s anniversary celebration to honor all those who have made our work possible,” said Dan Erdmann, director of Communications. “We will start the year by sharing Bill’s inspiring story. We will then provide a glimpse into the work of our volunteers, our Angels in Blue. We also plan to highlight the perseverance and strength of the families we’ve been humbled to help. At the end of the year, we will thank all our donors and invite everyone to join us.”

“Although we have a great deal to celebrate, we know that we can accomplish so much more,” said Gross. “My goal for this anniversary is to enlist more volunteers, supporters, and advocates so that we can continue to grow for the next 20 years.”