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“Coming Food Crisis”...

…Predicted in Financial Times Essay (UK)

From Hunger Notes, excerpt…

The contraction in exports from the Middle East is not just a short-term increase in price for agricutural inputs; it risks actual production shortfalls in upcoming harvests.  Rising energy prices always raise food prices.

sulfur, urrea, and ammonia from the Middle East are key components of farm inputs in China, India, Brazil, Morocco, Indonesia, Australia, the United States and other countries.

…The essay argues that this is a slow-moving yet systemic crisis as farmers plant less now, with resulting smaller harvests months ahead, leading to further increases in food prices later this year.  FT recognizes that poor countries will be hit harvest [hardest? both words work].  While wealthier countries will experience inflation, low income countries may face famine.

Saint Joseph the Workman!

Today is the feast of Saint Joseph the Workman. It is also the month of the Blessed Virgin Mary! So today, let us honor both of them, spouses and parents of Our Blessed Lord.

From the Tridentine Mass…

Wisdom rendered to the just the
wages of their labors, and conducted
them in a wonderful way: and she was
to them for a covert by day, and for the
light of stars by night.

O God, Creator of all things, Who dost
impose on man the law of work; grant
in Thy goodness that, by the example
and patronage of blessed Joseph, we
may both accomplish the work Thou
dost command and attain the reward
Thou hast promised.

Alleluia, alleluia.

In whatever
tribulation they shall cry to me, I will
hear them and be their protector
always.

Make us, Joseph, to
lead an innocent life: and may it ever
be preserved by thy patronage.

May the works of our hands, that we
offer Thee in sacrifice, O Lord,
become for us, by the intercession of
blessed Joseph, a pledge of unity and
peace.

It is truly meet and just, right and for
our salvation, that we should at all
times and in all places give thanks to
Thee, holy Lord, Father almighty,
eternal God: and that we should with
due praise magnify, bless, and
proclaim Thee on the Feast of blessed
Joseph; who being a just man, was
given by Thee as Spouse to the Virgin
Mother of God, and, as a faithful and
prudent servant, was set over Thy
Family, that with fatherly care he might
guard Thine only-begotten Son,
conceived by the overshadowing
of the Holy Spirit, even Jesus Christ
our Lord. Through Whom the Angels
praise Thy majesty, the Dominations
adore, the Powers tremble: the
heavens and the hosts of heaven, and
the blessed Seraphim, together
celebrate in exultation. With whom,
we pray Thee, command that our
voices of supplication also be admitted
in confessing Thee, saying:

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dóminus Deus Sábaoth. Pleni sunt cæli et terra glória tua. Hosánna in excélsis! 🕇 Benedíctus qui venit in nómine Dómini. Hosánna in excélsis!

O Sanctus Ioseph, pro nobis hac hora oro!

Well Said by Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Davis...

This is a very comprehensive explanation of what’s going on, what’s on the horizon and what the US should do…

US/Israel v Iran War Has Already Become a “World” War

Thought for the Day

“Wars do two things: They grow, and they grow out of control.”

Michael Yon

Drought Engulfs 60% Of U.S.

…As Farmers Begin Spring Planting

From one of our recommended resources, Zero Hedge. Honest, alternative media. Excerpt:

“The southern US is already experiencing severe, extreme, and even exceptional drought conditions, putting pressure on key crops such as sugarcane, rice, and peanuts, while fruit trees have also been damaged by extreme temperatures. Across the Great Plains, otherwise known as the nation’s breadbasket, winter wheat farmers are being forced to decide whether to keep the struggling crop or cut losses and replant, with dry soil also making germination harder. The drought also complicates matters for ranchers, as the nation's cattle herd is already at its lowest level since the 1950s. As a result, some ranches may further reduce their herds, which will only push beef prices to new record highs…All bad news for food prices.”

Stock up on food now, while supply is still good and the prices are still (relatively) affordable. Buying in bulk can save you tons of money. Don’t forget to stock up on water too.

What is happening to the world? Is a great chastisement upon us? Is is pay-up time for our many sins?

Oil-Based Lubricant Supply: One of Many Issues Right Now

EXCELLENT ARTICLE From LinkedIn News (this is written from a business perspective, but is useful for anyone, in understanding what we are facing)…

The shortages haven't arrived yet. But they're coming. Here's your realistic timeline and a seven-step playbook to stay ahead of the most significant lubricant supply disruption of the modern era.”

“Supply chains don't break overnight. They have buffers built into every stage, and those buffers take time to deplete. That's why you're probably still seeing relatively normal availability right now. But don't let that lull you into a false sense of security.

…Crude oil that was already on the water before the Strait closed is still arriving at refineries. Oil tankers move at incredibly slow speeds (you could keep up with one on a bicycle), so the last of those pre-disruption shipments won't reach the most distant refineries until late April.

…May through June (weeks 9-16): This is when the real pain begins. Blenders will start exhausting their pre-crisis inventory. Expect allocation and rationing of popular products.

…July through August (weeks 17-24): If the Strait remains closed, we will see genuine shortages of finished lubricant products. This is no longer a price problem. This is an availability problem…You can't run a mining operation without gear oil. You can't run a transport company without engine oil. You can't run a manufacturing plant without hydraulic oil.

…the lubricants industry is facing the most significant supply disruption of the modern era…the pain we went through during COVID in that 2020 to 2022 period is going to look relatively tame in comparison, especially if this conflict continues for another month or two.”

FULL ARTICLE INCLUDING VIDEOS

Divine Mercy Sunday

During this concerning time of war and crisis, there is nothing more important we can do than beseech the Divine Mercy!

Here are some good links for today…Did you pray the Chaplet Novena starting Good Friday? You still can!…

EWTN Divine Mercy

There is a Plenary! Vatican Document

A Feast of Unfathomable Grace: Divine Mercy Sunday

Divine Mercy On This Blog

"Almost Nobody Understands How Bad it's Going to Get"