Submitted Photo A Farm Rescue harvest operation is shown in this photo. The North Dakota-based nonprofit organization will soon complete its 700th assistance case.

Farm Rescue, a nonprofit organization that provides planting, haying, harvesting and livestock feeding assistance free of charge to farm and ranch families who have experienced a major illness, injury or natural disaster, will soon complete its 700th assistance case.

The farm of Joel Newman, near Sawyer, will be the site of this milestone service event, according to Farm Rescue information.

Newman recently underwent liver and bile duct resection surgery, which requires a recovery period of around two months. The timing of the surgery and rehabilitation will interfere with the Newmans’ harvest operations and Farm Rescue will provide equipment and volunteers to assist with the family’s wheat crop.

Farm Rescue, based in North Dakota, assisted its first family in 2006 and since then has consistently added more services to help a larger number of rural families stricken by unexpected crises. The organization now serves seven states, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and most recently, Kansas. Farm Rescue officials said reaching the 700 mark would not have been possible without the many contributions of volunteers, sponsors, donors and staff, who fulfill the patriotic and compassionate mission of Farm Rescue.

“The altruistic mission of Farm Rescue continues to have a positive impact throughout our farming and ranching communities,” said Bill Gross, founder and president of Farm Rescue. “There is no better reward in life than to help those who have experienced unexpected crises. It has indeed been an honor to provide Rescue Blessings to 700 families.”

Farm Rescue is currently accepting applications for harvest assistance throughout its entire seven-state service area. Any farm family experiencing a major injury, illness or natural disaster is encouraged to submit an application at farmrescue.org or by calling 701-252-2017. Referrals are also welcome.