JAMESTOWN, N.D. (AP) — The nonprofit Farm Rescue organization is accepting requests for spring planting help from farmers in the Dakotas, Minnesota and eastern Montana.

The North Dakota-based operation provides planting and harvesting aid to farm families who have gone through a major illness, injury or disaster. It helps with the actual farm work rather than doling out money. Each family can receive help on up to 1,000 acres.

Farmers can apply themselves. Program coordinator Calli Stoudt says Farm Rescue also accepts anonymous referrals. There’s no deadline to apply, but applications postmarked by April 1 get priority consideration.

Since 2006, Farm Rescue has helped 160 farm families. President Bill Gross says the organization now has the equipment to plant corn, along with small grains and soybeans.

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