Temperatures for the period seemed cool at times but the average temperatures for the daylight hours were close to normal. The nighttime and early morning readings were below normal. A 39 degree reading the morning of the 20th was unseasonal but the temperature elevated quickly as the sun elevated.

There was some rainfall on three of the seven dates and it totalled 0.49 of an inch, with more in the forecast, perhaps a three-day wet spell. Rainfall has been recorded 11 times thus far in June and totals 3.21 inches.

In spite of showers we managed to cut, dry, and bale hay. As of the 20th, the bale count exceeds 180 bales and sells quickly. Most years, I bale over 6,000 bales of first crop hay. Due to the dry month of May about 15 acres growing on sandy loam soil will yield less than the two or three previous years. Perhaps, with adequate soil moisture and added fertility, the second and third crops of hay will exceed other years.

An old but restored tractor that I spread fertilizer and bale with developed a major breakdown on the 18th and will be unusable for a length of time. Hopefully, repair parts will be available. A hay customer with generous or charitable qualities brought me a newer tractor, with comparable horsepower to use until mine is repaired.

Breakdowns of haying equipment are usually costly and very inconvenient, especially when favorable weather prevails. Thus far into the haying season, a tedder, the baler and now a tractor have had serious issues or concerns. Partly with sarcasm and a sense of humor, I declare “that farming is all for profit!”

I seldom see robins on the premises, but as I go elsewhere they seem to appear more numerous. The season is advancing and occasionally I hear crickets but they appear fewer in numbers than when I was younger. Fireflies or lightning bugs are rarely seen in recent years on the premises and I miss their spectacular presence.

New bloom observed recently include: multi-colored perennial pea, crown vetch, peony, chive, orange hawk weed (devil’s paint brush), yellow rocket and reed canary grass.

This period of time last year had comparable average temperature readings. There was a range of 37 degrees, from the low of 46 on the 16th, to the high of 83 degrees on the 17th.

There was rainfall recorded on three dates and it totalled 0.76 of an inch.

P.S.: Sunday’s rain started near 4 a.m. and ended near 1 p.m. There was 0.70 inches in the gauge at 8 a.m. and 0.32 more at 5 p.m, 1.02 inches the total.

Week of June 14-20

Day High Low Precip.

Sun. 75 47 0

Mon. 61 46 0.02

Tues. 64 52 0.20

Wed. 74 47 0

Thurs. 77 45 0

Fri. 73 51 0.27

Sat. 72 39 0