Second cutting

Many Ozark County farmers who faced a potential hay shortage as summer began are thankful to be getting a second cutting of hay as summer ends. In the June 27 edition of the Times, Ozark County’s Missouri University Extension livestock specialist Randy Wiedmeier shared his concerns about the consequences of a dry autumn in 2017 and the relatively dry spring this year that also included one of the coldest Aprils on record followed by one of the hottest Mays. The crazy weather led to a meager first cutting of hay for most producers here, Wiedmeier said. He expressed hope that “we get some timely rains and good weather, and a lot of people will get a second cutting later.” The current hay harvest might not be one of greatest abundance, but it relieves at least some of the pressure off area producers as the growing season heads toward winter. This photo was taken Sunday along Lick Creek in the Howards Ridge area.