More than 60% of the United States is experiencing drought conditions, with more than 20% in an extreme drought. Virginia just expanded its drought warning to 94 counties. Almost the entire commonwealth is now under a drought warning, delaying planting and hurting pasture conditions. The next few weeks will determine if the "Drought of '26" becomes something we all will remember.
Here in Mecklenburg County, we've been getting some scattered thunderstorms that have helped a little and for which we are very grateful. Ponds and streams are drying up. Rocky shorelines are getting wider and wider. According to the National Weather service, our region needs 8-12 inches of rain in a single month to resolve the drought. That would likely cause flooding even with dry soil. Drainages simply can't handle that much rain. Over 6 months, we'll need 25-30 inches.
The forecast over the next couple of weeks tilts to higher odds for at least somewhat wetter than normal weather over parts of the state. For now, there are no indications (humanly speaking) of a long, soaking, "farmer's rain" in the next couple of weeks at least. We pray for rain but also for the wisdom and strength to endure hardship. Hope remains strong. The good work continues (here's some hay that my son raked today).
Just as the apostle James noted the patience of a farmer waiting for the early and latter rains, so our family sees our daily labor as an act of worship to our God and a joint venture with him.
He has never let us down and never will. We rely on God because it's all out of our hands. I love how Psalm 104:14 puts it: "You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate."
Farmers are some of the hardest working people I know. They're also some of the most resilient. We give God thanks for sunshine, rain, and his loving provision.