‘Day of Prayer for Agriculture’ Declared by Governor as Extreme Weather Conditions Threaten State
by John Gage
(Screenshot of Nebraska Farm Bureau livestream)
Governor Jim Pillen declared a “Day of Prayer for Agriculture” following extreme weather conditions in western Nebraska that have caused wildfires and threatened farmers and ranchers. Pillen said during a press conference on Thursday that a farmer told him they have “never seen anything like this in my lifetime” with how bad weather conditions have been.
“Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and rural communities have and continue to face significant challenges resulting from ongoing extreme weather conditions (drought, wildfires, flooding, destructive winds, hail, etc.) that have placed significant emotional, physical and financial burdens on agriculture producers, their families, rural businesses, first responders, and local communities,” the governor’s office said in a statement.
The proclamation Pillen signed asked for prayers for “rain” as well as "safety” from “wildfires, storms, and other natural disasters.” The message also called for unity and support from communities to help farmers and ranchers struggling with weather conditions.
“We have to pray that we don’t lose our faith,” Pillen said, recognizing how bad weather conditions have been for agriculture this year. “We need to recognize the incredible faith we have as Nebraskans.”
Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue praised the “perseverance” of Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers, adding that agricultural members needed “faith” and the help of God.
“Today we are praying for agriculture and whatever needs they have,” McHargue said. “For a lot of farmers and ranchers, they just need a sense of peace for the decisions they are going to make in the next weeks and months.”
Attorney General Mike Hilgers said he was “proud to be Nebraskan because of Nebraska agriculture” and that the state’s farmers and ranchers were “role models” who represent the “spirit of the state.”
Hilgers added that his family “will be praying for rain.”
Ranchers told The Plains Sentinel last month that weather conditions in parts of the Sandhills have not been this bad in almost 100 years.
“It feels like 1930,” Sara Cover, a rancher near Ashby, Nebraska, said. “It feels like we are in the Dust Bowl.” Part of Cover’s ranch was burned up by the Ashby Fire earlier this year.
Wildfires have broken out across the state this spring as a result of drought conditions. This week, a new fire, the South Fork Wildfire, broke out in the panhandle this past week, ripping through tens of thousands of acres.
Sherry Vinton, the director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, said farmers and ranchers were “grateful” for the support they have seen from across the state.
— John Gage is the executive editor of The Plains Sentinel.