A local fire and rescue department in Lincoln County recently received welcomed support from the Lincoln County Corn and Soybean Growers and their checkoff dollars.

Lake Benton Fire Department received a monetary donation to purchase farm rescue equipment, which consisted of a rescue tripod, winch and harness. Without local, trained volunteers, rural communities would face longer response times to their calls for aid.

“The fire and ambulance units were very appreciative of the reimbursement funds from our organization,” said Bob Worth, chair of the Lincoln County Corn and Soybean Growers. “It’s important to help our local departments, and there’s no better way to do it by assisting with the purchase of equipment that will help our fellow farmers. Farm safety is crucial to us, and as farmers, we understand accidents happen and we need to have the equipment in our communities to make sure we are prepared for anything.”

The Lincoln County board members have been longtime supporters of their local first responders. Around the state, fire departments rely on the support of their communities through residents and organizations to assist in the purchase of new or updated equipment and trucks that enable the departments to provide the best in rescue and emergency services to their communities.

The Lincoln County Corn and Soybean Growers Association is affiliated with the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, which oversees the investment of soybean checkoff dollars on behalf of the nearly 28,000 farmers in Minnesota. The Council is governed by the rules of a federally mandated checkoff program that requires all soybean producers pay a fee on the soybeans they sell. Checkoff dollars are used to promote, educate and develop market opportunities for soybeans.