Good News and Bad

Today it was 102 degrees Fahrenheit at Chaplin Bend Farm, the second of several days in a row with 100+ degree temperatures and no rain.  It's now been more than 2 weeks since the last rainfall and according to the NWS, the area around the farm is now classified as being in moderate drought.

The corn is beginning to show the effects of the hot, dry weather.  The leaves are beginning to curl up to reduce their surface area and conserve water.  The timing couldn't be worse, since the corn is just producing tassels and ears.  I'm  beginning to worry that we'll lose the entire crop if we don't get some rain in the next few days.  

On the other hand the sunflowers seem to be thriving.  We're just beginning to see the first flowers, and the plants seem healthy and strong.  They need rain, too, but seem to be handling the drought better.

NWS says a 30% chance of rain on Sunday.  Let's hope the odds are in our favor!