Good new for the countryside column - Striving for excellence in all that we do

How things have changed in agriculture since I first began to work on farms in the 1960s. Take crop production, for example, when in those days hay was still commonly made. I remember a yield of 100 small bales per acre would have been considered acceptable, but that would not be the case now.

In the case of barley, one ton per acre would have been OK then, but not now. With regards to beef production, farmers would now like to finish their animals ready for slaughter in about 21 months, while over 2½ years would not have been unusual then.

There are, of course, different factors, which have contributed to this change. For example, with cereals there are new seed varieties, as well as pesticides and herbicides (though we need to keep in mind the effect of some of these on the natural environment). And with beef there are new breeds, feed concentrates, and richer silage, etc.

Another factor in animal husbandry is also clear to be seen throughout the summer months in particular. I refer to the agricultural shows like Balmoral, or the many smaller shows in our provincial towns. The desire for rosettes in the different categories helps in the drive for breeding better and better animals, whether for milk, beef, pork, or lamb production. Therefore, exhibitors strive for excellence.

Winning at shows not only brings great satisfaction on the day, but financial reward, because of the increased value of the winning animals.

It is, of course, understandable that many farmers put in a large amount of effort in an attempt to be among the prize-winners.

The same is true in the realm of sport, and already athletes across the world are training hard in the hope of being on the winner’s podium at next year’s Olympic Games in Paris, or some other major sporting event.

The Apostle Paul refers to this in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, when he speaks of runners going into strict training in order to win a prize: but he goes on to say that they do this to ‘win a crown that will not last’ (v25). And we know that this is true of everything in this life, and not just prizes in sport or at agricultural shows.

Everything comes to an end and passes away, including our earthly lives themselves. That is why Paul goes on to speak of a “crown that will last forever”. He is referring to the hope of Heaven AFTER this life is over, and those, who, by grace, know Jesus as Saviour and Lord, can look forward to that crown.

The Apostle Peter describes it in a different way, speaking of an “inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade, reserved in heaven” (1 Peter 1:4), which is kept for God’s people.

Isn’t that worth infinitely more than any prize, or honour, that we might obtain in this world?

And shouldn’t we then take time to read the Bible, and give ourselves no rest until we are sure of knowing Jesus ourselves? Then we will be able to look forward to that ‘prize’ which will truly last.

Rev Dr Kenneth Patterson is a former GP who was ordained for the ministry in 1990. He retired in 2013 after 19 years as Minister of Castledawson and Curran Presbyterian churches in South Derry.

Having worked on farms during his student days, before coming a minister, as a hobby he now enjoys restoring vintage farm machinery.

If you would like to talk to someone about any of the issues raised in this article, please email Rev Kenny Hanna, PCI’s Rural Chaplain at [email protected] or call him on 07938 488 372.