Trinity Lutheran Church

“Be patient, therefore, beloved,, until the coming of the Lord.  The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and late rains.  You also must be patient.  Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.”(James 5:7-8, NRSV)
It has been said that some feel closest to God when they are working the land, yet farming can be a stressful and dangerous occupation.  Those of us who live in cities and towns, may take for granted, the patience and sacrifice that goes into raising the produce, milk and meat that we consume.  Farming is tough, at times unpredictable labor, and the fruits of it are often undervalued on the open market.
Recently CNN Money (4/8/2010) reported that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, farming is in the top five most dangerous occupations in this country.  Not only are there dangers in using farm machinery, but economics, and stretches of bad weather can push the farmer toward the breaking point.  When money gets tight, repairs are let go, and safety equipment is not retro-fitted, putting the farmer and his/her family in further danger.  Farmers are exposed to harmful chemicals and toxic fumes from silage and manure pits.  They run an increased risk of malignant melanoma due to sun exposure.  Yet every day – 365 days a year, they continue their work.  Some say it is in their blood – it is all they have ever dreamed of doing.  They see God’s handiwork when they look out over their fields, crops, and their livestock.
The reality is that our farmers often keep their suffering silent, and we become willing accomplices, by adding to the financial squeeze – after all, who wants to pay an extra fifty cents for a gallon of milk or a dozen eggs!?  It’s time we wake up!
In June of 2009, Miles Moffeit, of the Denver Times, reported that Seeds of Hope, a crisis hotline serving farm-belt states, had already logged 11,000 calls since the beginning of that year. Farm Aid’s Farmer Resource Network and Hotline (1-800-FARM-AID) directs farmers to access mental health and suicide prevention assistance all over the country – depression and suicide rates among farmers have increased.  What are the signs of depression?  They can include:  persistent sadness or anxiety; increase or decreased appetite; physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive disorders, chronic pain; irritability, restlessness; feelings of guilt/worthlessness; hopelessness; sleeping too much or too little; loss of interest in once pleasurable activity; difficulty concentrating and making decisions; thoughts of death or suicide – any of these symptoms lasting longer than two weeks need to be followed-up with a visit to a healthcare provider.
How can the farmer better manage the stress?  By openly discussing or venting about problems, concerns and fears – to friends, extended family, church members, formal and informal support networks.  Recognize that he/she is never too old to learn – keeping updated on farming practices, biotechnology, and marketing – by reading, searching the internet, contacting the county or state Extension office.  Make time for family – take a yearly vacation, attend children’s sporting events and teacher conferences.  Meet as a family on Saturday or Sunday evening, and plan out the upcoming week’s work schedule.  Get regular exercise, stretch and walk; listen to music; enjoy a hobby.  Lower health risks by take extra precautions to combat sun exposure – use sunscreen of at least 30 spf, wear a brimmed hat that shades eyes, ears and neck – wear sunglasses with a UV rating of at least 100.  When the tension becomes too much – get some outside help.  Contact your healthcare provider, speak to your pastor or parish nurse.
What can “we”, the consumer do?  As much as possible, we can buy directly from the farmer.  We can listen and support our farmers.  We can advocate for them by supporting realistic and just pricing of his/her goods and services. And we can pray – for good weather, bountiful harvest, healthy animals, much needed rest, and regularly give thanks for those who have played such a huge role in feeding us every single day.  Thank you to all of Trinity’s farmers.
Summer Blessings!
Judi Cosgriff FCN, Parish Nurse