Temperatures for the period averaged quite near normal for the daylight hours but cooler than normal during the darker hours. There was a range of 32 degrees, from the low of 45 on the 27th, to the high of 77 degrees on the 22nd.

There was rainfall on four dates and it totalled 2.16 inches, with much more in the forecast. As I write this, the total for the month reads 5.37 inches, thus June can be labelled a wet month. Some of June’s rainfall would have been helpful for the month of May, one of the driest in many years.

The three or four showers during the afternoon or evening of the 26th, were not conducive for the haying project but the one near 7 p.m. developed a beautiful, large, and long lasting rainbow that was visible for about 15 minutes.

In spite of showers we got, hay was dry enough to bale on three dates, bringing the season’s harvest to over 3,000 bales. Last week’s column had an error, stating that the bale count was 180, instead of 1,800. I have cut about 33 acres of the 60-plus acres that comprise the hay acreage. That is the best progress in harvested acreage on this date over most of the recent years, even with equipment break-downs. Very few bales of hay have been stored away for winter sales, as most of my buyers are eager for the newly harvested crop to replenish their diminished supply.

My squash and pumpkin growing areas are looking good for the date. Somehow, I have got them weeded and one area fertilized. My helper got the plants sprayed and insect damage is the least in recent years.

Asparagus cutting is over and the picking of peas should develop by July 4th. Presently, farm activities are at the highest level, with no chance of boredom developing.

A new type of worm nearly consumed my sunglow flower plants and the top growing area of the sunflowers. They came quickly and most have disappeared. I sprayed the sunglow which may have helped. As of this date, I haven’t seen any Japanese beetles but some have been seen by others.

New bloom observed recently include: day lilies, timothy and reed canary grasses, potato, dock, and catalpa tree.

This period of time last year had warmer average temperatures, reinforced by two readings in the low 80’s. There were two chilly mornings early in the week, with 41 degrees the recorded temperature.

Rainfall on three dates totalled 1.65 inches.

P.S.: Sunday’s rain deposit measured 1.64 inches, between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Week of June 21-27

Day High Low Precip.

Sun. 65 54 1.02 5 p.m.

Mon. 77 56 0.21

Tues. 63 59 0.80

Wed. 75 58 0

Thurs. 73 47 0

Fri. 75 50 0.13

Sat. 76 45 0