farming

American Farm Bureau Federation stated that 70% of American farmers can’t afford all the fertilizer they need, while noting farm diesel fuel prices have increased 46% since the end of February.

Family farming is the key to making systems of food production and consumption more “inclusive, resilient and efficient,” Pope Francis said.

“The work of these and other family farmers to put food on our tables is more than a job, it’s a vocation.”

In a message to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, Pope Francis criticized the fact that rural and family farmers who produce food are likely to suffer from a scarcity of food for themselves.

While farmers are grateful to live in the country, “most are hurt badly by lower prices and the chaos in the processing and delivery of their particular products,” said Joe Borgerding, a member of St. Peter and Paul Parish in Elrosa for 64 years.

One challenge in farming is fighting depression. Mental health resources are available.

Randy and Amanda Hartung are the hosts of this year’s event. Mass begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by guest speaker Joe Gill, Catholic Century Farm Awards, lunch and entertainment by the Slew Foot Family Band.

“This Blessed Earth” chronicles all the challenges of farming and more, while delving into the rapidly changing world of small family farms.