Large numbers of people across the country and the diocese are affected by the severe weather conditions and the flooding. Our thoughts and prayers are for their safety, and for the effects that this will have on their lives and livelihood. Perhaps you personally – and your community - have also been affected and in which case my prayers are with you.
The conditions are, of course, also affecting many farms, farm animals, and farmers. The effects of these conditions may include:-
- Crops destroyed when they should be being harvested. Harvesting wet crops means more use of energy and higher drying costs. Yields may be low and financial returns affected.
- Animals at risk
- Animal food crops, which should be being prepared for the winter, are being affected, and in some cases destroyed; where crops are brought in wet they may be of poor quality; they could be in short supply when the winter comes.
- Buildings, including those in which animals are being kept away from flood waters, are being affected and, as for other householders, farm domestic property may be affected.
There are farming business, personal and animal welfare implications in all this. A commentary on the effect of the conditions is being update regularly on the NFU website, to keep up to date visit: www.nfuonline.com
Support for those affected in the farming community is available, including:
- Domestic financial support from RABI: Helpline: 01865 727888 ((weekdays, office hours) or through national helpline
- Financial assistance from the ARC-Addington Fund (Helpline 07002 326 326, 7am – 11pm every day, answer phone 11pm – 7am)
- Pastoral and practical support from the Farm Crisis Network (Helpline 07002 326 326)
I am also willing to give support both in my capacity as Diocesan Rural Officer and as the SE Coordinator of FCN: reminder of my phone numbers 01295 788021 or 07870 405241. Deanery rural officers are also available to give pastoral support. Please contact us if we can help.
More details about the Farming Help Partnership organisations mentioned above is available at www.farminghelp.org.uk.
Churches/individuals wishing to support the ARC-Addington flood relief fund can find information about the fund www.oxford.anglican.org/page/5311/ and on the FCN website
You might like to plan to use August 1st – Lammas, a traditional day to pray for the agricultural community, - as a day to pray for all those affected by the flooding.
