At least five ag industry corporations have turned their agriculture focus to search and rescue aid by either donating/loaning or agreeing to operate heavy equipment at the site of Ground Zero in New York City.
Since the Sept. 11 Twin Towers collapse at the hands of terrorists, Deere and Company, Case-New Holland Global and Caterpillar have all pitched in.
In addition, Syngenta and BASF, crop-protection companies, have helped with generous financial contributions.
Deere has provided equipment including Gator utility vehicles, concrete saws, skid-steer loaders and generators; Case-NH has also donated skid-steer loaders, wheel loaders, and wheeled excavators; Caterpillar has loaned 120 dealer/equipment operators to operate heavy equipment and install power lighting. In addition, Caterpillar has given ultra-high-lift excavators with 84-foot vertical lifts, work boots, apparel and will match employees' gifts.
Syngenta made an out-right gift of $200,000 to assist in the relief efforts to the Red Cross; BASF employees will donate to the fund for fire and emergency workers with the company matching all donations.