Sit in the front pew and pray
By Mark K. Brewer I
n the aſtermath of a flood or tornado, it’s easy to see the devastation. But the recent avian influenza outbreak has hit hard, undermining small-town economies
while leaving no visible trace. More than 47 million chickens, turkeys and other
birds have been culled nationwide to control the spread of the bird flu. More than 200 cases were reported in 16 states between December 2014 and June of this year. Hundreds of the economies affected are in ELCA
synods populated by rural and small town churches. In Minnesota, the virus has been detected in 23 counties, heavily impacting a four-county area in the heart of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod. “I’m concerned about the multiple layers of our com-
munity and synod that are affected by the flu virus: corn growers, feed mill operators, truckers, people in the processing plants and the businesses that are intercon- nected,” said Jon Anderson, synod bishop. “Te flu is a huge disruption to a big system. Te turkey and chicken growers feel like they’re not in control of their lives or businesses until they get a green light from the govern- ment to move forward. “Tere’s great anxiety. Many people don’t appreciate
that farmers care about their animals. Most don’t under- stand the financial and other risks involved with bring- ing food to their table. Fewer and fewer people have any personal connection to farm life anymore.” Aſter visiting farmers and congregations in early sum-
mer, he lamented, “How will this affect the congregations financially? Tis situation is a great challenge and oppor-
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Turkey farmer Greg Langmo, a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Litchfield, Minn., lost 11,000 turkeys to the avian influenza and is uncertain if his business can survive the loss.
‘I’m concerned
about the multiple layers of our com- munity and synod
that are affected by the flu virus.’
tunity for God’s church.” “It’s really sad,” said
turkey grower Greg Langmo, a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Litchfield, Minn. “We take our responsibility for car- ing for our animals very seriously.” Langmo explained that
growers have a strong emotional connection with their flocks. Te turkeys he lost were fun to be with, were cheerful and liked to be around people. “Tey followed you around like puppies,” he said. “Tey wanted to see what you were doing. To see them sick, you can imagine the helpless feeling. It’s overwhelming.” His operation was first hit in April, which destroyed
11,000 turkeys and almost completely shut down his operation. Normally he would have nine to 10 flocks, but in mid-June he had only one 2-week-old flock.
Economic impact If the emotional impact of losing cherished birds isn’t enough to set a farmer back, the economic repercussion brings the problem home in a real way. Profit margins are razor thin under normal conditions. Losing flocks is financially devastating. Poultry production and processing is a $3 billion
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