After months of relentless hardship, Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers found themselves at the center of a powerful show of solidarity last week. On Thursday, June 18, elected leaders, agriculture groups, and faith leaders came together to encourage Nebraskans to join them in a statewide Day of Prayer for Agriculture.
The gathering came in the wake of some of the most devastating extreme weather and natural disaster events in the state’s history. Extreme drought, historic wildfires, damaging winds, hail, and flooding have all taken a toll on farm and ranch families and rural communities across different corners of Nebraska. Layered on top of those challenges are significant profitability struggles that continue to weigh heavily on producers.
Governor Jim Pillen declared the Day of Prayer for Agriculture during a proclamation signing and prayer event held at the State Capitol. For him, the moment was a reminder of what makes the state special.
“Nebraska has been hit hard these past few months, and it’s moments like this, when everyone comes together, that reminds me why Nebraska is the absolute best state to live in. We are there for one another, and we show up when it matters most,” said Gov. Pillen. “Many producers are facing really tough decisions. Our prayers go out to each and every one of them. We are doing everything we can to ensure they have resources available during this challenging time.”
Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue reflected on the role faith and prayer have played for generations of farmers and ranchers who have worked through circumstances far beyond their control.
“Our country was founded on the premise of one nation under God. As such, we recognize there is power in collective prayer and we’re happy to help bring Nebraskans together to demonstrate our support for farmers and ranchers as they work through these difficult times,” said McHargue.
The event drew words of inspiration and blessing from faith leaders, including Rev. Kenneth Borowiak of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Friend and Zeke Pipher, pastor at Heartland Evangelical Free Church in Central City, who led participants in prayer for Nebraska agriculture.
Nebraska State Director of Agriculture Sherry Vinton pointed to the resilience she has witnessed among producers, especially the state’s young people, in the face of wildfires and drought.
“With these challenges, I’ve witnessed incredible courage, compassion, and maturity develop in our young people. Many have indicated they will choose careers as first responders, firefighters, mental health professionals, and other fields to help others after having gone through these experiences. Out of despair and disaster these young people are choosing hope,” said Vinton.
Practical help was also part of the conversation. USDA Nebraska Farm Service Agency Executive Director Hilary Maricle reminded producers that seeking assistance is nothing to be ashamed of, and she encouraged them to explore the federal programs available to them.
“We ask that you’re not shy about coming and asking for help. Farmers and ranchers are very proud people. It’s important to make that ask, for both prayers and recovery help. Regardless of the challenges you’re facing in your operation, we do encourage you to make that call to your local Farm Service Agency office,” said Maricle.
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers shared his own appreciation for the state’s farm and ranch families during the event. “Our agriculture producers feed the spirit of our state. We are vested in the values of Nebraska agriculture; the principles of hard work and integrity. Tonight, when we set down to pray with our kids, we will be praying for Nebraska agriculture,” said Hilgers.
Support for the effort came from across the political and organizational spectrum. U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer praised producers who “pour their blood, sweat, and tears into feeding and fueling our country,” while U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts called agriculture “the heart and soul of what we do in Nebraska” and offered a blessing for the state’s farmers and ranchers.
Members of Nebraska’s congressional delegation echoed those sentiments. Rep. Mike Flood (NE-1) asked Nebraskans to pray for “the resilience, relief, and safety of our farmers, ranchers, and their families.” Rep. Don Bacon (NE-2) noted that producers “keep showing the grit and faith that define Nebraska agriculture,” and Rep. Adrian Smith (NE-3) affirmed his staff’s readiness to support ag producers in every way possible.
Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg encouraged continued prayer for the safety of farming and ranching families and favorable weather for the fields. Agricultural organizations across the state added their voices as well. Nebraska Cattlemen President Craig Uden offered a reminder that “we are not alone because we serve a God who is always with us.” Seth Mitchell of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association said his organization stands alongside all Nebraska farmers and ranchers during these difficult times. Kristine Dvoracek Jameson of the Nebraska Sorghum Producers and Lori Luebbe of the Nebraska Soybean Association both emphasized that even when producers are miles away in their fields and ranches, they are not forgotten.
While the event took place in Lincoln, its focus remained squarely on the farmers and ranchers who serve as the backbone of Nebraska agriculture. For a community that has weathered fire, flood, and drought, the gathering was a reminder that perseverance is often strengthened by the support of neighbors and the comfort of shared faith.
To learn more, agriculture producers in need of resources can contact the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, the Nebraska Farm Service Agency, or the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline at 1-800-464-0258.