New initiative to help farm families in crisis

EUREKA, Ill. — When illness, injury or disaster strikes a farm family, the responsibilities of running a farm don’t stop.

All chores around the farm — tending crops, caring for livestock and other daily tasks — must still get done. That’s often when communities come together and neighbors step up to fill the gaps.

Woodford County Farm Bureau is building on that tradition of neighbors helping neighbors through a new program: the Farm Aid Network, a volunteer-based program that connects farm families facing unexpected hardships with fellow farmers and agricultural professionals willing to lend a hand.

Whether helping in the field, caring for livestock or assisting with other essential farm tasks, volunteers can provide critical support while families focus on recovery.

“Helping one another has always been part of our agricultural community,” said Autum Jones, Woodford CFB manager. “The Farm Aid Network simply creates a way to organize that generosity and ensure no farm family has to face a crisis alone.”

Coordinated by Woodford CFB, the new program aims to strengthen the local agricultural community while offering a flexible and easy way for volunteers to help farm families in need.

Farm families seeking assistance and members interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact the Woodford County Farm Bureau to learn more about the program and how to participate.

To sign up to volunteer or receive assistance, visit tinyurl.com/Woodford-CFB-Farm-Aid-Network.

For more information, call 309-467-2347 or email woodfordcfb@gmail.com.