The latest from the Church in Rural America.



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January 19, 2017
Lent Cross  
W EEKLY WISDOM

" Jesus is always able to save those  who 
approach God through him,  since he lives 
forever to make intercession for them."
Hebrews 7:25

The State of Family Farms in North America

New Report Makes the Case for Multifunctional Farms
 
North American farm families today face a number of major challenges -- some inherent in the nature of farming and others new. In a new report produced by agricultural economist John Ikerd, professor emeritus of the University of Missouri-Columbia, he takes a thorough look at the state of family farms in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. 
 
"Perhaps the most important challenges in all three countries of North America," he writes, "are government farm policies that increasingly support the industrialization of farming in a quest for economic efficiency." This leads to highly specialized "monofunctional" farm operations and makes it difficult for diverse family farms to survive economically while maintaining their social and ethical commitments to multifunctionality.
 
Prof. Ikerd's report complements CRL's own analysis on farming, food production and the environment  and the recently released reflection, The Vocation of the Agricultural Leader.  We encourage our network to take the time to read through Family Farms of North America and see if you agree with Ikerd's compelling message:  "Sustainable farming for the  future requires that we protect and renew natural ecosystems and create and nurture caring communities as they provide economic livelihoods for farm families." CRL could not agree more!

Positive Feedback from Vocation of the Agricultural Leader (VAL) Readers

Early Responses: VAL Document Heartening
CRL is receiving positive reviews of the Vocation of the Agricultural Leader document from around the country. Some recent examples:
 
From the Diocese of Fresno, California, a priest said, "The document is beautifully written and speaks to concerns we have here in the diocese. We have a lot of farmers in the San Joaquin Valley who are not feeling supported by the Church, and this document lifts up our farmers. Thank you for this document...."
 
A priest in the diocese of Madison, Wisconsin, said, "I am on a personal retreat and read the document. It brought tears to my eyes because it articulates what many of our dairy farmers need to hear. I want CRL to come to our parish and speak on the Vocation of the Agricultural Leader. Our farmers need to hear this message...."
 
CRL would like to hear your feedback about the Vocation of the Agricultural Leader. Simply send us an email at  [email protected]. To purchase copies of the document please  click here . You may also read the document by  clicking here.   
 
CRL is conducting workshops, conferences and presentations on the Vocation of the Agricultural Leader throughout the country. For information on how to sponsor a presentation or workshop on the Vocation of the Agricultural Leader, please contact Annie Brickweg at [email protected]. 

Justice for Immigrants: Creating a Culture of Encounter
Resources Available for Advocacy, Action & Prayer

Every January, the Catholic Church in the United States takes the opportunity to recognize the contributions of immigrants, refugees, migrants and survivors of human trafficking in our communities as well as to highlight the work of the Church to serve and accompany newcomers. Pope Francis calls upon the faithful to create a culture of encounter: "For me this word is very important. Encounter with others. Why? Because faith is an encounter with Jesus, and we must do what Jesus does: encounter others."

Resources for action and prayer are available at Justice for Immigrants.
As the new Congress gets underway, please send an electronic postcard to your U.S. Senators and Members of Congress. Ask them to support humane reforms that respect the dignity of all migrants and recognize the contributions of immigrants and refugees in your community.

Important Survey of New and Beginning Farmers

National Young Farmers Coalition Needs Your Help
Over the past few years, CRL has taken a greater interest in efforts to help beginning farmers and ranchers. The National Young Farmers Coalition contacted us to let us know they have launched a national survey  of beginning and aspiring farmers to assess their current needs and challenges. 
 
It is crucial that the survey results represent all young farmers, no matter their location, operation size, or farm type. T he survey takes place every five years; all personal data is kept completely confidential. Please circulate to your networks and help get the word out. The survey remains open through the end of February.

CATHOLIC RURAL LIFE
Our mission is dedicated to addressing and overcoming
the challenges facing rural America: social, economic and ecological.

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If you have a question, announcement or resource you would like to share with us, please contact   [email protected]