The year 2021 has been dry in far-northern Wisconsin. Drought maps show part of the area has had normal rainfall. But farms in northern Bayfield County have had little or no rain; fields are abnormally dry. Spring 2021 followed a winter with little snow, hence little ice melt. May was cold and had less-than-normal precipitation.
The dry conditions made for great planting in most fields; there was just enough moisture to have a good start for crops. May ended with a late frost around Chequamegon Bay, especially inland from Lake Superior. Looking back from the Summer Solstice at the first three weeks of June, much of northern Wisconsin has had merely a trace or less of precipitation this month. There is a four-letter word on everyone’s mind – rain!
A drive across northern Wisconsin reveals short light oats. A lot of hay is being made; the weather for haying is very good. But the moisture to grow hay and pasture is lacking. Corn and beans have had a good start, but in many fields stress and damage are beginning to show with leaves drying and yellowing.
A lot of folks in the north don’t irrigate but those who do are at it. Market gardens and berry plots are also being watered where possible.
Foragers found few morels due to the cool and dry conditions. A few oyster mushrooms have been out. Early wild berries look like dry nuggets and are in jeopardy due to the lack of moisture. Thimbleberry and blackberry are in bloom as is bunchberry. Forest trees that became stressed during a dry 2020 are suffering in 2021. Water levels in Lake Superior have dropped and continue to recede. There have been frequent red-flag fire warnings in northern Wisconsin due to the lack of rain and low relative humidity.
Agricultural commodities – grain and beet pulp – have been shipping out of Port Duluth-Superior.
Farm stores are open and farm markets have started. Community-supported-agriculture subscriptions are in full swing. There’s an abundant supply of local pasture-fed meat and eggs. Fresh local greens of many varieties are available. There’s a good supply of local fiber products and greenhouse plants. Local dairy products such as milk, ice cream and cheese are available. Wild strawberries are out, and berry farms and cherry orchards will be open before we know it. Locally made beer, mead, hard cider, wine and spirits are available. Honey, syrup and preserves continue to tempt visitors. Call ahead and check farm websites for availability and store hours. Visit www.feastbythebay.org for more information.
People who live on the land are naturally optimistic. We all look to that next dark cloud with the anticipation that it’s the one that will bring rain, much as we look forward to the great promise of each new day.
