Perham Leader Expands Farm Rescue Support Across Midwest States

Rural Perham resident Tim Sullivan is now at the helm of a multi-million dollar nonprofit that helps keep farms operating when families face medical or weather-related crises. Sullivan joined Farm Rescue in 2019 as the organization’s fifth employee and, after about a year, became its first executive director. "Volunteers do the work," Sullivan said. "They come in and support that family's livelihood while they're dealing with this crisis."

Under Sullivan’s leadership the organization has grown from serving six states to 11, covering Minnesota, the Dakotas, Eastern Montana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Kentucky and, in 2026, Missouri. The group now operates with seven staff and a $6 million annual budget funded by grants and donations from corporations, businesses and individuals. "We've grown quite a bit over the last six years," he said.

Farm Rescue’s model pairs volunteer labor with the nonprofit’s equipment and logistical support. Volunteers arrive from across the nation and internationally to tend fields when a farmer or farm family member is injured, sick or otherwise unable to complete time-sensitive work. Farm Rescue coordinates housing, food and transportation for volunteers and provides the heavy equipment needed for small grains and row crop operations. Sullivan noted Missouri fit the expansion because crops and machinery there match the group’s existing capabilities and volunteer expertise.

For Otter Tail County, the program offers a safety valve that can prevent temporary shocks from becoming long-term financial damage. When planting, harvest or other critical work is interrupted by illness, injury or disaster, missed fieldwork can reduce yields, push up input costs or force sales of livestock and land. Farm Rescue’s assistance helps preserve farm cashflow and livelihoods at a moment when local families are most vulnerable.

The nonprofit also seeks volunteers without farming backgrounds to help with outreach at trade shows, county fairs and community events that raise awareness and recruit skilled crews. Many volunteers bring experience with farm equipment or hold commercial driver licenses, while others support logistics and public engagement. "Anyone interested in volunteering should visit farmrescue.org and click the volunteer tab," Sullivan said.

Having assisted more than 1,200 farm families to date, Farm Rescue continues to recruit volunteers and raise funds to extend its reach. For local farmers and residents who want to offer help or may need assistance, the organization provides a direct channel to maintain operations and protect the county’s agricultural economy during personal or natural crises.