Drought and Faith – a perspective from Bill Bennett

I am currently spending a day a week visiting farmers in Central Hawke’s Bay (Waipawa Parish). Clearly the almost nation-wide drought is hitting many in the rural sector. This includes parts of Taupo-Bay of Plenty, as well as Tararua, Hawke’s Bay and pockets in Eastland. Following last year’s difficult times many have already reduced stock numbers, and the process continues. Unfortunately some farmers are having to get rid of breeding stock. The cost of stock feed is high and often difficult to obtain. Hay and silage stockpiles have been reduced. Over the past few years a number of farmers have decided to lease their farms and allow others to absorb the risks. Some lessees are large companies able to farm on a larger scale. Those who have sold stock to export meat companies are finding the returns are not great due to the high value of the dollar. The dollar value remains a source of concern.

Others have the advantage of transporting stock to areas of the country for a period where feed is more plentiful. Not all have that option.

Those in dairying are feeling the pressure. Water irrigation restrictions are a real issue, as the dairy farmer depends on good quantities of green feed. Where irrigation occurs the contrast between green pasture and dry land is stark.

Listening to many farmers I am aware that some feel imprisoned by the lack of rain, sometimes with a sense of oppression or failure. Many quip – “You’ll have to really talk hard to the bloke above!” In other words, there are many who are really hurting. And they are reaching toward a sort of faith that yearns for meaning, despite their stoicism. Many have partners working off-farm to bring in more income. And others ask is this a sure sign that climate change is now really upon us? (The jury is still out on that issue. It is interesting to read the diaries of our missionary forebears recording times of severe drought in the 19^th century).

Farmers are aware that they have no power to govern the rain. When it comes it comes! But as autumn and winter come upon us any rain that produces growth will be curtailed by colder weather that drops soil temperatures. Our ministry is one that means listening, listening, listening. The Easter message acknowledges pain, failure, crisis as well as hope and joy. In other words our ministry is a ministry of compassion, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the ‘paracletos’, of one who stands alongside. Enabling farmers to talk about their feelings is a positive.

The media generally haven’t taken on board how severe this drought is except by noting that more and more regions are being declared drought-crisis areas. The government is recommending farmers take advantage of tax and benefit opportunities. But the recovery will take many years.

Bill Bennett has written at least two books with liturgies for rural communities.

This perspective first came to my attention on the IRCA Network newsletter; it is reprinted with their permission.