In 1969, future Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom, John Betjeman parodied the hymn as "We spray the fields and scatter/the poison on the land" published in Harvest Times as a protest against modern farming methods and new planning legislation.

An anonymous revised first verse, which alluded to Betjeman's parody, was published titled "We Plough the Fields with Tractors".

[10][11] Lyrics as published in 1861 in A Garland of Songs: We plough the fields, and scatter the good seed on the land; But it is fed and watered by God's almighty hand: He sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain, The breezes and the sunshine, and soft refreshing rain.

He only is the maker of all things near and far; He paints the wayside flower, He lights the evening star; The winds and waves obey Him, by Him the birds are fed; Much more to us, His children, He gives our daily bread.

Chorus Verse 3 was revised to make it better suited to the harvest in Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1868 Appendix: We thank Thee, then, O Father, for all things bright and good, The seed time and the harvest, our life, our health, and food; Accept the gifts we offer, for all Thy love imparts, But what Thou most desirest, our humble, thankful hearts.