Thanksgiving in the Werntal: Tractors adorn worship despite worries!

Thanksgiving in the Werntal: Tractors adorn worship despite worries!

A festive Thanksgiving was recently celebrated in the old sports field in the open air. Over 100 people accepted Pastor Tilmann Schneider's invitation to an ecumenical service, which was extensively prepared by the Werntalbauern. Instead of a traditional altar, a truck trailer, decorated with happy pumpkins, wine leaves and colorful flowers, served as the central point of the ceremony. In the background, 18 tractors as well as two Unimogs and a one -axle tractor lined up, some of them were also decorated, with some participants even watching their machines during the service.

Pastor Schneider began his speech with an interpretation from the Gospel of Matthew, in which he pointed out the example of the birds, which is still nourished without sowing or harvesting. "Wasn't Jesus naive there?" He asked rhetorically, then to make it clear that faith was an important support, especially in difficult times. Many of them agreed to this message and expressed their gratitude for the healthy harvest.

meaning of the harvest and current challenges

The contemplative service was also an opportunity for farmers, looking back on the challenges of the year. Stefan Höfling, a sideline farmer from Stetten, emphasized: "For me it is part of the Franconian culture, to thank the Lord for the harvest." Even if the role of the weather, especially of strong weather events, should not be underestimated, he experienced a good harvest. Daniel Lambrecht, Arkerbauer from Obersfeld, confirmed this perspective and explained: "It is thanks for our work that also succeeded thanks to God's blessings." The farmers endeavor to feed the population, which was nevertheless successful this year - despite the challenges that spring brought with it.

However, many farmers remained dissatisfied with the results of their protests. Höfling observed that the political response to her concerns leaves something to be desired. "We got into conversation, but little has changed in our situation," explained Lambrecht and gave an insight into the frustration that many farmers feel. However, she delights the population's encouragement at the tractor-corso, even if it does not solve the basic problems. "It is nice to see that applause came in 80 percent of the spectators. We were not put in the right corner," added Hanskarl VIII. Freiherr von Thüngen.

A special source of worry is the current classification of the Werntal as a red area. This is done due to increased nitrate values that have been found in water samples of a well - a source that is somewhat offside and is not fertilized. This classification leads to new, stricter requirements that further reduce fertilization. As a result, farmers feel unfairly treated as part of the Werntalprojekt, which has existed for 25 years. "These new regulations represent a distortion of competition because they no longer have quality wheat produced," criticized Thüngen. The frustration of the political decision is noticeable because the farmers are concerned about a future -proof agriculture and the preservation of their existence.