Local farmers help farmers in need

The LaPorte County Young Farmers, all between the ages of 21 and 35, spent their weekend working on lawnmowers to raise money for disabled farmers.

“It’s very humbling when somebody gives to you out of the goodness of their heart. In my opinion it’s something the world needs more of these days,” said Isaac Blue, co-chairman of the LaPorte County Young Farmers.

The group fully serviced local residents’ lawnmowers to get them ready for Spring, with all the profits going to the Indiana AgrAbility Project.

The Indiana AgrAbility Project helps farmers with disabilities continue their work with agriculture.

It’s a cause that Blue felt especially connected to after his farming career unexpectedly changed.

“It was a really hard thing for me to realize that I’m not going to be able to be the fourth generation of farmers to farm this ground,” said Blue

Although still involved in agricultural work, Blue says growing up on his family’s farm he anticipated tending to the land one day.

“Unfortunately my family farm is no longer in operation so I wasn’t able to continue to farm,” said Blue.

Blue says that experience gives him a glimpse into how a farmer who becomes disabled must feel if they are unable to work.

“Agriculture is not just an industry; it’s a way of life for people,” said Blue.

A way of life Blue says he doesn’t want disadvantaged farmers to have to live without.

“If I can keep somebody else from having to realize that, then that’s time well spent to me. Even though they may have met a hard time becoming disabled in one way or another that there’s no reason they can’t rise up and continue to do what they love and that there are people out there willing to help them,” said Blue.

If you are interested in learning more information about the LaPorte County Young Farmers and to find out how you can donate to disabled farmers, click here.