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With modern tractors and dry field conditions, spring tillage along Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Coast was finished by the start of June. Corn had emerged and about half of first-crop hay was cut by the end of the first week of the new month. Most soybeans and oats had also emerged. But there was more seed germination in low spots due to lack of moisture. By the beginning of the second week in June many areas had received rain – and the promise of rain was in the forecast, though it was way too early to stop praying for some more. Many near Lake Superior were wishing for some warmth because some nights were still in the 40s. The water level of Lake Superior and that of many inland lakes and rivers is low this year.

Farm markets in the north are in full swing. Farm stores are offering more and more fresh produce, Community Supported Agriculture produce subscriptions are being offered and REKO rings are delivering a large variety of locally produced goods. Asparagus, salad greens, onions, garlic and arugula are for sale along Chequamegon Bay. Local milk, ice cream and sheep cheese are available. Pasture-raised beef, pork, lamb and chicken can be found. A wide array of preserves, honey and syrup will satisfy sweet teeth. Bread and confections are tempting many. Fresh-picked mushrooms are perking up dishes. Locally made mead, wine, beer, cider and spirits are available. Items made from locally produced fiber and locally made soap are easy to find.

Visit for more information regarding Wisconsin farmers markets. Visit for more information regarding Bayfield-area farms and orchards in northern Wisconsin.

Most everyone on the Bayfield Peninsula and nearby is looking forward to berry season. Strawberry, blueberry, blackberry and cherry blossoms promise happy weeks to come. Many long for the taste of the first summer apple – perhaps an heirloom yellow transparent. Others are watching wild Juneberry and black cherry to predict possible wild harvests during the short and frantic growing and gathering season.

Some forages found morel mushrooms but others set their sights higher due to recent weather in the far north. There is still a rain deficit for the year along the Lake Superior shore. But there has been some rain and some drizzly, cool days, making the weather perfect for oyster mushrooms. Those looking for oysters generally need to look up because they grow mostly on dead aspen – often many feet off the ground. Some seasoned oyster hunters can spot them from a moving vehicle but most prefer slowly walking in the forest on overcast days. Often oysters seem to just appear – a glowing white treasure on a tree.

Bunchberry and star-flower blossoms have taken over in the forest where trillium has left off. Migrant birds have returned. Though diminished in number, many rare languages like ovenbird, sapsucker and even occasionally hermit thrush are heard. Whippoorwill is sadly missing again this year because so few are left. American kestrel are back. Of course ravens and crows are keeping tabs on things. Many are amazed to learn that the big black birds recognize human faces and pass knowledge of specific faces to others in their clan. And don’t be surprised if they understand English because they’ve been exposed to the language in North America for a few centuries now. Young owls are hiding as well as they can from the dangerous crows; owls and crows are mortal enemies.

Mother had a saying for people who had become especially irksome and blister-like. She’d say she wished they would just dry up and blow away. Recently the high and mighty, those with more wealth than Croesus, or at least way more dollars than sense, seem to be feuding amongst themselves more than usual. Often those people have no clue what their machinations do to the masses of regular folks who are out living normal lives. Evidently the stress from having too much wealth is a terrible strain. It’s difficult not to wonder sometimes if we would be better off if all of those high and mighty folks just dried up and blew away. It’s likely the rest of us would find a way to go on living somehow!

This is an original article written for Agri-View, a Lee Enterprises agricultural publication based in Madison, Wisconsin. Visit  for more information.