Ms. Elaine Kneeous

An Angel on a John Deere

Posted by Jennifer Fischer on Oct. 4, 2012

I’ve often said I would have made a terrible pioneer woman.  I don’t like braving extreme weather, I’m not a fan of physical labor, and my idea of camping is staying at a hotel doesn’t offer spa-quality, complimentary toiletries in the room.  Fortunately I’ll never have to cross the plains in a covered wagon.

I have also said on many occasions that I would make a terrible farmer.  I have an outrageous allergic reaction to horses and hay, I don’t “do” early mornings, and while I certainly appreciate fresh meat, dairy and produce I’m not inclined to harvest them myself.  Fortunately again, I’ll never have to slaughter a pig, milk a cow or sew a field.

I have the utmost respect for aforementioned pioneers and farmers.  Their lives are tough to say the very least.  Both groups are at the mercy of the weather, needed to do things for themselves and had to rely on hard work and fortitude to get ahead.

Over the years we’ve seen how difficult the farming industry has become for “family farms.”  Whether due to large corporate farm take-over’s, family deaths, children choosing to not continue the business, economic problems or natural disasters, the little guy has had a tough time.

Bill Gross wants to make sure that Midwest farming families get a helping hand when they need it most.  What started as a dream for his future retirement ended up as a current (not waiting ‘til then!) non-profit organization called Farm Rescue.  This group of dedicated souls help by providing “the labor (volunteers) and farm equipment (supplied by RDO Equipment Company) to plant or harvest up to a 1,000 acres per farm family. Families are responsible for providing crop inputs (seed, fertilizer and fuel).”

That is to say that Farm Rescue DOES NOT GIVE MONEY to farmers.  Bill states, “We’re gonna come in and actually do the work.  We’re gonna get the job done because throwing money at something isn’t the answer for a lot of problems, and what people need is… help to get back on their own feet.”  (Gee… what a concept:  not creating more neediness, not contributing to an entitlement mentality, just helping people sustain their own business when they need it.)

I wish I could link to a fantastic article from Townhall magazine, where I first learned about Bill Gross and Farm Rescue.  Unfortunately it’s not available online so you’ll just have to pick up your own print copy.  In the meantime, you can learn and read about Farm Rescue from their website.

You can also hear in farmers’ own words what Farm Rescue means to them: