Video: Idaho Farmers Save Neighbor’s Potato Crop Before Freeze

At midweek an estimated one-fifth of Idaho’s potato crop remained in the ground.  The sudden cold shock is threatening the state’s potato and onion crops.  Two images from Facebook caught my attention this week.  Below is a post from a man in East Idaho.  He took a video of a convoy of farmers and ranchers coming to the assistance of a neighbor.  The man had potatoes to harvest and time was running out.

Working together, similar to an old fashioned barn raising, they got the job done.  His livelihood was saved.

Another post from a former state legislator from the same part of the state indicates the frantic efforts continued for her family until long after sunset.

These stories tell us about the character of our fellow men.  We live in an era when many Americans have self-selected in opposing camps.  Most news media focuses on the worst and not the best.  Then we get heartwarming images as the cold snow flies.  It restores hope.

I’m also one to believe it’s not just Idaho.  I grew up in Amish country.  When a barn would be destroyed by fire a new one would be raised in a day.  And the Amish extended their mission to farmers even outside their own community.

You can also make an argument it’s more common in rural culture.  You can be separated by 30 miles from people you still know well and consider neighbors.  I’m not sure the bond exists with the same strength in suburban and urban America.