Thanksgiving in a Challenging Time

Bridget Down, Learning and Development Officer in the Connexional Team writes on difficulties faced by rural communities this harvest season.

Pictures by Emily Fleur, Ipplepen, Devon.

As we celebrate Harvest this year, we give thanks for God’s faithfulness and provision. Yet we do so mindful that, for many farming families, 2026 has been an exceptionally difficult year.

Across the country, arable farmers have seen significantly reduced yields because of challenging weather conditions. One Methodist farmer in Mid Devon reports that his corn harvest is only half that of last year. The summer drought has also taken its toll on livestock farms, with many having to feed winter hay and silage stores during the growing season, raising concerns about fodder supplies for the months ahead.

Alongside these challenges, farmers continue to face the devastating effects of Bluetongue virus (which mainly affects sheep and cattle but also goats, llamas and alpacas) and avian influenza (bird flu). One farmer from North Molton Methodist Church remarked:

"This is worse than Foot and Mouth in 2001. We are fighting a disease yet to be fully seen."

Those words reflect the deep anxiety felt across many rural communities as the longer-term impacts of Bluetongue continue to emerge.

Stories of loss are becoming all too common. A farmer from Woolsery recently disclosed that all her rams have tested infertile despite showing no obvious signs of disease. A North Devon farmer keeping Dorset sheep has suffered the heartbreak of finding that half of his in-lamb ewes were carrying dead lambs. Near Hatherleigh, one sheep farmer has lost more than 300 sheep.

Behind these figures are families, livelihoods and generations of dedication to caring for God's creation. Many farmers are carrying not only financial pressures but also grief, exhaustion and uncertainty.

This Harvest, let us give thanks not only for the food on our tables, but also for the people whose hard work, resilience and perseverance make it possible. Let us remember our farming communities in our prayers, asking God to grant strength where there is weariness, comfort where there is loss and hope where the future seems uncertain.

Harvest reminds us that God's faithfulness is not measured solely by abundance. Even in seasons of disappointment and struggle, God remains present with us. As we gather to celebrate God's gifts, may we hold before God all those who work the land and care for livestock, often at great personal cost.

"May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy."
Psalm 126:5

A Prayer for Harvest 2026

Loving God,

We thank you for the gifts of the earth, for the food we enjoy and for all those whose labour brings it to our tables.

We pray today for our farmers, growers and all who work in agriculture. In this particularly difficult year, be their strength when they are weary, their comfort when they are grieving, and their hope when the future feels uncertain.

We remember those whose crops have been diminished by adverse weather, those who have already used precious winter fodder reserves because of drought, and those facing financial worry as a result.

We pray for farmers affected by Bluetongue and avian influenza, especially those who have experienced the loss of livestock, failed pregnancies, infertility within their flocks and herds, and the heartbreak that comes with caring deeply for the animals entrusted to them.

Bless our rural communities, our agricultural chaplains, veterinarians, auction mart staff, farm workers and all who support the farming industry. Give wisdom to those working to combat disease and protect animal welfare.

May all who feel burdened know that they are not forgotten, and may the love of Christ surround every farm, family and community.

As we give thanks this Harvest, help us to be generous in spirit, faithful in prayer and grateful for all that we receive.

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.