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Farmers, ranchers ask Americans to fast, pray for moisture as drought conditions persist

Posted at 8:19 PM, Feb 02, 2014
and last updated 2014-02-02 22:19:07-05

SALT LAKE CITY – Snow showers may have helped air quality issues in Utah this week, but Utah farmers and ranchers say they are still in desperate need of moisture.

This is the third year of drought conditions across the western United States, and Farm Bureau officials are asking people across the country to fast and pray for moisture.

Officials are asking those who take part in the Harvesting Faith event to appeal to whatever deity they believe in to bring moisture to areas dealing with drought.

“This is about an effort to call on the powers of heaven to try and break this,” said Randy Parker, who is the CEO of the Utah Farm Bureau.

Parker said agriculture contributes nearly 15 percent of Utah’s gross domestic product and accounts for about 80,000 jobs in the state. He said agriculture and ranching are major players in the economic success of rural communities.