Resources for Farm/Ranch Families in Crisis
No one should have to go it alone during times of crisis, including farm and ranch families. It is a myth to believe that these families are so independent and tough that they can survive crisis on their own.
The following are examples of organizations that have a history of reaching out to farm and ranch families during both natural and human caused disasters. The list is in no way exhaustive and will be added to as additional organizations are identified. You are encouraged to visit the organization’s website, or call them for more information.
Click here for a printable .pdf document with this information.
Fellowship of Christian Farmers
221 W Main St.
Lexington, IL 61753
(309) 365-8710
The Fellowship was formed in August of 1985 in San Antonio, Texas, during the American Soybean Association EXPO when a group of farmers met together to discuss the need for an organized Christian fellowship of the farming industry. It was felt by those in attendance that farmers and agri-business are in an occupation that is burdened with stress. Therefore, we need to build each other up by sharing our needs in prayer and putting an emphasis on Christian fellowship.
Steve Drake organized the first meeting after reading an article in “Guidepost” on the power of prayer. Thomas Herlong, a farmer in Johnston, SC, was serving as president of the SC Soybean Association at that time and responded to the leadership role and organization of the FCFI.
From that first meeting of about 26 persons, the membership has grown to several thousand. Lives have been changed as a result of the messages shared at FCFI meetings, articles in the newsletters and as a result of the organization’s mission teams.
The FCFI has no affiliation with any particular commodity group or agricultural organization. It is a non-profit, nondenominational ministry.
Our Objectives
- To promote Christian fellowship of the farming community in your local, state, national and international levels.
- To provide the organization for mission teams whereby farmers and persons in the agricultural industry can effectively utilize their resources for helping to meet the needs of the world.
- To publish the PROFIT newsletter as a means to communicate news of FCFI activities and articles that would encourage the reader to mature in their faith.
- To provide the structure for Christian leaders involved in agriculture to effectively work with farm or animations and businesses.
Ohio Relief Haulers
PO Box 253
Perrysville, OH 44864
(330) 281-2860
Farmers Helping Farmers - that is what we do! Help us bring much needed aid to our fellow farmers and ranchers that have suffered from natural disasters.
Farmers Helping Farmers - that is what we do! Help us bring much needed aid to the Kansas Wildfire Victims!
Farm Aid
501 Cambridge Street
Third Floor
Cambridge, MA 02141
Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp organized the first Farm Aid concert in 1985 to raise awareness about the loss of family farms and to raise funds to keep farm families on the land. Dave Matthews joined the Farm Aid Board of Directors in 2001. Farm Aid has raised $57 million to promote a strong and resilient family farm system of agriculture. Farm Aid is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to keep family farmers on the land.
Promoting Food from Family Farms
We know that to keep family farmers on the land we have to increase the number of people buying their good food. From our annual concert event that features family farm food and unites farmers, artists, and concerned citizens, to our inspiring and informative tv, radio, mail and web campaigns (including our HOMEGROWN.org website), we are building a powerful movement for good food from family farms.
Growing the Good Food Movement
In order for family farmers to thrive we have to create more markets for them, giving more people the opportunity to access family farm food. Farm Aid fosters connections between farmers and eaters by growing and strengthening local and regional markets and working to get family farm food in urban neighborhoods, grocery stores, restaurants, schools and other public institutions.
Helping Farmers Thrive
Since 1985, Farm Aid has answered 1-800-FARM-AID to provide immediate and effective support services to farm families in crisis. Now Farm Aid’s online Farmer Resource Network connects farmers to an extensive network of organizations across the country that help farmers find the resources they need to access new markets, transition to more sustainable and profitable farming practices, and survive natural disasters.
Taking Action to Change the System
Farm Aid works with local, regional and national organizations to promote fair farm policies and grassroots organizing campaigns designed to defend and bolster family farm-centered agriculture. We’ve worked side-by-side with farmers to protest factory farms and inform farmers and eaters about issues like genetically modified food and growth hormones. By strengthening the voices of family farmers, Farm Aid stands up for the people upon whom we all depend. Farm Aid’s Action Center allows concerned citizens to become advocates for farm policy change.
Farm Rescue
P.O. Box 28
Horace, ND 58047
(701) 252-2017
The mission of Farm Rescue is to help family farms and ranches bridge crises so they have an opportunity to continue viable operations. Farm Rescue provides planting, haying, harvesting and livestock feeding assistance to farm and ranch families that have experienced a major injury, illness or natural disaster. We have assisted nearly 600 farm and ranch families since our inception in 2005!
We see that one of the biggest financial drains on a family is an unexpected medical injury or illness and, of course, a natural disaster. It is even more pronounced on a farm where a family's livelihood depends on the ability to plant, harvest or provide for their herd.
Farm Rescue gives families a chance to continue their livelihood by providing the necessary equipment and manpower (free of charge) to get the job done.
Ag Community Relief
10434 N. Oak Rd.
Otisville, MI 48463
agcommunityrelief@gmail.com
810-614-0968
From the Michigan Convoy experience Ag Community Relief was born. There was an overwhelming response and request to continue doing good for our ag communities so a non-profit 501(c)3 organization was formed. To learn more about what started this effort, please watch the mini documentary "Loads of Hope" below.
Ag community Relief’s goal is to bring relief to active farmers/ranchers that experience devastation across the United States by assembling volunteers and donations to help mitigate their suffering. We are here to help them get back to where they were before their disaster struck.
Ag Community Relief will also be supporting FFA & 4-H. Members, clubs & charters can volunteer with our organization and receive scholarships.
Ag Community Relief has been described as a “Red Cross” for Farmers. If you know of, or are a farmer/rancher that has sustained a fire/tornado/flood etc. please contact us.
If you would like to volunteer with Ag Community Relief, please click here and fill out the form.
If you need more information contact: inprepared@purdue.edu.
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