St. Isidore the Farmer (1070-1130) is considered the patron saint of farmers, agriculture workers, and rural communities. He was born in Madrid. As a young boy, he went to work on the estate of John de Vergas, a wealthy landowner. He later married and he and his wife (St. Maria de la Cabeza) labored on the same farm for the remainder of their lives. They were model workers, simple and caring people, and a very devout Christians. Every day Isidore rose early in the morning to attend Mass at a nearby church, sometimes, according to fellow workers, showing up late for work because he spent so much time in prayer.
The “saintly” couple was known for genuine piety and a deep concern for the poor. Legends exist about Isidore miraculously supplying the poor with food on occasion, and he had a great concern that farm animals be treated properly. Isidore would pray while plowing in the fields, and it is even said that angels would sometimes help him with his work. St. Isidore the Farmer died in 1130.
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A biography of St. Isidore: https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/saints/saints-stories-for-all-ages/saint-isidore-the-farmer/
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A ministry in British Columbia, of which St. Isidore would be proud: https://stmarysparish.ca/ministries/migrant-workers-ministry
