ND Farm Rescue Launching “Operation Hay Lift” to Nebraska

North Dakota-based Farm Rescue first activated its ``Operation Hay Lift'' program to help drought-stricken Upper Midwest ranchers in 2017.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) _ The Plains farm aid nonprofit Farm Rescue is launching an effort to bring donated hay to flood-stricken Nebraska ranchers.

North Dakota-based Farm Rescue first activated its “Operation Hay Lift” program to help drought-stricken Upper Midwest ranchers in 2017.

Dozens of volunteer truckers hauled hundreds of loads of hay to the region.

The organization now wants to do the same for Nebraska ranchers dealing with widespread flooding after a massive late-winter storm, and it’s seeking hay donations and volunteer drivers.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau says farm and ranch losses in that state could reach $1 billion.

Farm Rescue provides free physical labor for farmers and ranchers dealing with an injury, illness or a natural disaster in six Plains states.

It relies on volunteers from around the country, donations and corporate sponsors.