This is a spring that will not soon be forgotten. By the first of June, over 95% of the corn should be in the ground in the Midwest. We are currently less then 40% and several rivers are at or above record levels. The rains are keeping not just our farmers, but farmers all over the Midwest from planting their fields.
The rain also is creating a big hit to livestock’s feed, because hay is not being able to be cut and baled. Hay is needed to feed the livestock.
Often times, to most people,all the rain this spring is just an inconvenience, but to farmers and those involved in agriculture, it’s much more.
Prayer is needed for our farmers, our agricultural input companies and their employees, our machinery dealerships, our rural communities, and our farm families. Pray for their mentality, pray for them to make the right decisions, pray for timely rains that allow crops to be planted, develop, and harvested. When you eat today, say a little prayer for the all those who made your food possible and will in the future, too.
From Jim Hofflander of Mankato, Minnesota: Hi Dewey, Just a brief message to underscore the severity of the nature of the rains in the Midwest. I live in south central Minnesota and can vouch for the severity of the results of the almost ceaseless rain pounding us.. Farmers have been unable to plant their crops; in fact, many have been unable to harvest last year’s crops, Temperatures have been in the 60s and 70s during most of the month of May, with only a handful of dry days. I would guess that for every cloudless day, there have been 3-4 days of rain. Trees are losing their leaves due to the cool spring, Rain has been the norm. An area farmer was heard to say that if the rain continued this would be the last year of farming. I can only imagine the stress farmers are under.
Local long-range forecasts regularly include rain.
Believe me when I write that I am not exaggerating. It is serious here. Urgent prayers are needed. God Bless, Jim
