For anyone who has had to work on their birthday or any other day special to them, take note. You are far from alone.

Today is National Farm Rescuer Day and members of Farm Rescue are working frantically to help farmers and ranchers in flood-stricken states including Nebraska. In Nebraska alone, flood damage to the ag industry has been estimated at $1 billion.

Just a few days ago we published a news release that explained what National Farm Rescuer Day is and how it came about. It said in part:

“Farm Rescue, a (North Dakota-based) 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 be celebrating National Farm Rescuer Day on March 21.

“The annual day of recognition is observed by National Day Calendar, an organization that tracks nearly 1,500 National Days throughout the year …

“National Farm Rescuer Day provides a specific day to remember and celebrate all past, present and future supporters of Farm Rescue’s mission, whether through sponsorships, donations or volunteer work. Farm Rescue and its “Angels in Blue” volunteers strive to provide rescue blessings to farm and ranch families in need. Having this unique day of recognition is a means of spreading this altruistic mission to a nationwide audience.”

National Farm Rescuer Day was first recognized in 2017 and is celebrated annually on the third Thursday of March.

So, it is unfortunate but in an odd way fitting that members celebrate the day while doing exactly what they have become so widely known for. This special day their greater focus is invested in “Operational Hay Lift” – an enormous effort to bring hay to flooded producers in need of feed for their livestock.

Farm Rescue has called for hay donations, volunteer CDL drivers and monetary gifts to help support the mission, which will last throughout the next several weeks, as funding and resources allow.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those suffering from this natural disaster,” said Bill Gross, founder & president of Farm Rescue. “Please consider donating funds or hay so we can deliver hope to these families in the midst of crisis.”

Those wanting to apply for assistance, sign up to be a volunteer CDL driver or make a monetary donation can visit farmrescue.org or call 252-2017. Those with any hay to donate should contact Levi Wielenga, Operations Manager, at levi@farmrescue.org or 712-389-1024.

With that reminder posted, we say well done Bill Gross, and best of luck in helping out as many hurting producers as money will allow. Here is to hoping that readers will respond positively to your call to action.