July 15, 2024
Rain Missed Us, But...
by Farmer Derek

Ah, the cadence, cacophony of cicadas, it must be high summer. Sure will feel that way for the next few days. On the heels of another missed rain opportunity, this one might feel especially painful. As farmers we live without air conditioning in a non-closed-up environment and getting through the daytime bursts of heat are challenging. We pull the shades, close the doors and windows, mostly for the mind. Sitting in front of a fan provides momentary relief. When we're out in it working, shade and water breaks are a must. Even, slow nose-breathing is required. Temporary, flow-like meditative states can arise. Afterwards, a particular type of accomplishment satisfies. It toughens, it hardens. We abide until rain and cooler temperatures arrive.

Farm work marches on. Miles of aisles are mowed biweekly. Tomatoes are pruned, harvested, trellised. Fields are turned over and planted with cover crops. The last of the uncropped fields are prepared for fall veggies. Crops are seeded, transplanted, cultivated, weeded. Everything is harvested. Nothing is wasted. Large single crops are retrieved: carrots, garlic, onions, potatoes, winter squash, pumpkins. Pests and diseases attempt to make inroads. We miss the calls of the amphibians but enjoy the chorus of insects.