Gary and Barb Carstens have operated their farm near Charles City, IA since the early 1980s. In addition to growing crops and raising livestock, the Carstens also own and operate a grain dryer company in New Hampton. On an early spring morning, Gary was out checking cows in a pasture near their farmyard when one of the cows became startled. She kicked her hind legs, connecting with Gary’s knee and propelling him onto the ground. After attempting to stand on the leg, it became apparent he had sustained significant structural damage. After an early-April surgery to repair the knee, the Carstens focused on the many tasks ahead during calving and planting that would need to be accomplished without Gary’s involvement. Thanks to help from neighbors, Barb navigated the remainder of calving season and the couple turned their attention to their corn and soybean crops. Thanks to a family friend, the Carstens were made aware of Farm Rescue and its free planting assistance services. Local John Deere dealer, Bodensteiner Implement, helped connect Gary and Barb with the Farm Rescue office and soon after, they submitted an application for assistance. Their approval came swiftly, and the couple began collaborating with Farm Rescue’s staff on a game plan for seeding their corn and soybeans. Volunteers delivered Farm Rescue's John Deere 8R tractor to the Carstens farm to power their efforts, and Bodensteiner Implement further extended its support by sponsoring use of a 24-row planter. After several days of work, the Carstens crops were in the ground and Farm Rescue’s volunteers and equipment were on to the next farm in need of assistance. (Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galo... License code: VO3XQPM0WBCEVNDJ)
Farm Rescue's assistance efforts are made possible through the generosity of people like you. Please consider a tax-deductible gift to support future farm and ranch families in crisis. Any amount can make a big difference!
