FOX VALLEY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Many sun-lovers across the area have been enjoying the recent stretch of hot and dry weather.
But others are stressing the need for rain, as Wisconsin continues to be in a drought.
More than 80% of Wisconsin is considered to be in drought as of Wednesday.
“It’s been a challenge of course with the hot dry weather,” said Mark Petersen, owner of Petersen’s Dairy Farm in Appleton.
Petersen says his crops are currently under stress from the lack of rain.
“I think it stunted our growth because it was a little thirsty, and so I think we should see higher corn, taller corn farther along than it is right now,” said Petersen.
Wednesday morning, the Fox Valley saw some wet weather, cooling down the area for a bit after days of dry heat.
“But it’s getting into what they call the rapid growth stage right now so I mean it’s definitely salvageable if we would get some good timely rains now,” said Petersen.
While rain fell and watered Petersen’s crops, it also watered the grass over at Chaska Golf Course in Greenville.
“The rough has been pretty brown, it’s been pretty dry obviously,” said Brad Reifsnyder with Chaska Golf Course,
Reifsnyder says although it’s been hot and dry, it hasn’t been affecting the course physically, or the number of people coming out to play.
“We have an irrigation system so the tees, fairways and greens get watered real heavy every night and they actually hand water some during the mornings too before the golfers get on the course,” said Reifsnyder. “Rain will keep people from playing, but hot and dry doesn’t so people still come out and golf.”
But even after Wednesday’s bout of rain, both golfers and farmers say they’re grateful for a little something to green things back up.
“It didn’t really affect anything, just maybe about a half hour people came off the course and went right back out,” said Reifsnyder.
“It’s not the end of the world, I mean it’ll work out, it always seems to do, so we’ll be okay,” said Petersen. “The weather forecast sounds pretty optimistic of some wet weather coming.”
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