Father Kenneth Borowiak, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Friend and a native of a farm south of York, was invited to offer a prayer on behalf of the state’s agricultural community.
By Corbin Hubbell
Social media coordinator
Governor Jim Pillen signed a proclamation declaring June 18 a “Day of Prayer for Nebraska Agriculture,” calling on Nebraskans to unite in prayer for farmers and ranchers facing severe drought, wildfires, and other extreme weather conditions across the state.
The ceremony, held at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln, brought together agricultural leaders, state officials, and faith leaders — including one Diocese of Lincoln priest with deep roots in Nebraska farming.
Father Kenneth Borowiak, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Friend and a native of a farm south of York, was invited to offer a prayer on behalf of the state’s agricultural community. In his remarks, Father Borowiak drew on Scripture and the theology of stewardship, reminding those gathered that farmers and ranchers occupy a unique and sacred role.
“The farmer and the rancher are the first stewards and the best ecologists,” Father Borowiak said, referencing the Book of Genesis and humanity’s call to care for the earth.
He acknowledged the rapid and difficult changes agriculture has undergone across generations. From horse-drawn farming to GPS-guided equipment, Father Borowiak urged Nebraskans to remain a people of hope.
“The one thing that is constant is that our God is a good and generous and giving God,” he said.
Father Borowiak, who has served as a Catholic priest for 39 years, then led those gathered in a prayer of petition and thanksgiving for all who have chosen agriculture as a vocation, asking God to grant “abundant, timely and gentle rains,” protection from damaging storms, and fair markets for crops and livestock.
He also prayed for farmers and ranchers facing financial hardship, that they would “know that you watch over them and care for them, and that they are your beloved sons and daughters.”
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SNR photos | Corbin Hubbell. Click for more photos
Governor Pillen, who grew up on a farm in Platte County and later founded Pillen Family Farms, spoke with visible urgency about the severity of conditions in western Nebraska. He described areas near Chadron and Crawford where not a single blade of grass has grown since November, and relayed that one rancher near Harrison — a man in his 80s — told him he had never seen anything so dry in his lifetime.
“I think it is really, really important that we don’t lose our faith,” Pillen said, “because sometimes when our prayers aren’t answered, we can lose our faith.”
Mark McHargue, president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, noted the event comes just weeks before the nation’s 250th anniversary and reflected on the long history of American agriculture persevering through hardship.
“The American farm and rancher has persevered,” McHargue said, “and the farmers and ranchers in Nebraska are no different.”
Sherry Vinton, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and a fifth-generation Sandhills rancher, spoke to the generosity Nebraskans have shown those in the hardest-hit areas — through monetary donations, volunteers fighting fires, and shipments of desperately needed hay and animal feed. She also noted an unexpected sign of hope: young people in wildfire-affected communities who are now pursuing careers as first responders, range scientists, and mental health workers.
“Even out of despair and disaster, we will always have hope,” Vinton said.
Hilary Maricle, state executive director of the USDA Farm Service Agency, encouraged farmers and ranchers not to hesitate in reaching out for assistance. She also reminded attendees of the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline (800-464-0258) which provides financial, legal, and emotional support for those in need.
The proclamation designated June 18 as a Day of Prayer for Nebraska Agriculture and asks all citizens to set aside special time for prayer for rain in the days ahead.
