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A prayer for the farming community at a time of crisis
Farmers are facing a fodder crisis with the late spring this year.
The escalating fodder crisis and its devastating impact on farmers and their livestock has affected many throughout Ireland.
The persistent cold and wet weather has made farming conditions exceptionally difficult. Last year’s cold and wet summer meant poor grass growth and the very late start to spring this year has seen many run out of fodder to feed their cattle. The snow and heavy rainfall have only served to exacerbate an already bad situation.
Archbishop Michael Jackson.
Recognising the serious hardship faced by many farmers as a result of the fodder crisis, Protestant Aid has announced a special grant for farmers affected. The organisation has set up a specific ‘Fodder Crisis Response Grant Scheme' to address the additional spend many farmers are having to make on fodder due to recent poor weather conditions. Forms for the grant scheme will be available from clergy or directly from Protestant Aid by contacting info@protestantaid.org
Archbishop Michael Jackson has urged people to pray for those experiencing hardship and has written a prayer:
A Prayer for the Farming Community
Almighty God,
Whose Son Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd of the sheep,
we pray for those who give their lives to the care of animals
and whose livelihood depends on the well-being of creatures in their care.
At a time of crisis in the farming community,
we remember the loss of life and the hardship brought about by the fodder crisis.
We pray that in the providence of God the sun will shine,
the grass will grow and God's creatures will be fed.
We give thanks for the sense of local community support,
the willingness to offer practical help
and the attentiveness of neighbour to neighbour.
This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.