Across the country and throughout our diocese farmers are struggling to deal with the effects of the intense heat, lack of rainfall and the outbreak of the disease, bluetongue.
Across the country and throughout our diocese farmers are struggling to deal with the effects of the intense heat, lack of rainfall and the outbreak of the disease, bluetongue. In Bath and Wells we are coming together to pray for the farming community as the summer of 2026 becomes one of the most difficult they have faced.
Diocesan Rural Adviser, Rob Walrond, has shared a prayer for those who would like to use it where they are to offer them care and support for the farming communities across our diocese, and the country, at this challenging time.
Rob, who is a farmer himself, says, “This is one of the hardest times I have ever known for the farming community. The unprecedented number of heatwaves and persistent drought have hit every farmer across Somerset. On top of this, the virulent disease Bluetongue is now rife across Somerset, meaning all cattle and sheep farmers are on high alert.”
He added, “I know many churches will already be holding farmers across the diocese in prayer, and offering care in quiet, thoughtful ways. Where people feel able, a simple card or message to a farmer nearby, letting them know they are being thought of and prayed for, can mean a great deal.”
If you have particular concerns, the Christian support charity the Farming Community Network can be contacted.
Loving Father God,
We lift up to you at this time all working in our farming communities.
Bless them in their endeavours, sustain them in these challenging working conditions, protect them and their animals from harm and keep them mindful of your love and care, and the care of those around them.
We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen
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