Each month on Virginia, Pray Now we highlight a part of the government of the Commonwealth that we will uphold in prayer. You are welcome and encouraged to share these requests with other Christians in your circle of acquaintance. Much of the information we share can be reviewed online at www.virginia.gov.

Today we are focused on Agriculture and Forestry.  Agriculture and Forestry are the Commonwealth’s largest private industries, with a combined annual economic impact of over $105 billion, and the health of these industries affects communities around Virginia, especially in rural areas. 

This office and its three agencies are committed to supporting rural economic development, preserving farmland and forestland across Virginia, and ensuring that all Virginians, especially those who are most vulnerable, have access to safe, healthy foods. Secretary Matthew Lohr is the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. Here are some highlights for prayer:

• The important work that the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) does in promoting the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, encouraging environmental stewardship, and providing consumer protection.  
• Able-bodied, capable workers to do the hard work of farming and caring for livestock.
• Our State Veterinarian, Dr. Charles Broaddus, who oversees programs dealing with livestock and poultry health, animal care, laboratory services, food inspection, and meat and poultry inspection; and the education of the next generation of farmers. 
• The next generation of farmers. FFA (Future Farmers of America) is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares members for leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. 
• The important work that the Department of Forestry (DOF) does in protecting 15.8 million acres of forest land from fire, insects, and disease and managing forests and other state lands.  Forestland provides 60 percent of the land cover in the Commonwealth.  
• Secretary Lohr asked for a special mention for the 125 state firefighters: to keep them safe while doing dangerous work. Please pray for the family of Rocky S. Wood who passed away on March 9 while fighting a wildfire in Buchanan County. 
• The important work that the Virginia Racing Commission (VRC) does in overseeing and ensuring the safety and health of Virginia’s horse racing industry.