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89 degree temp

Alternatively, this is an 89 degree reading taken just a few feet away in my pasture. The thermometer is sitting in full sunlight, on top of the ground, yet is a staggering 20 degrees cooler than the exposed earth! Now, which do you think will evaporate more quickly, water on a sun baked 109 degree surface, or moisture hiding beneath a shaded, 89 degree pasture?

Once the heat and drought settled in, I took some temperature readings. No, this isn't Arizona... it's Virginia. This reading, taken along the farm's driveway, mimics the surface temps of an exposed cornfield, where the soil bakes beneath an unrelenting sun. Take another look at that cornfield above, then look at this perennial pasture. Wow, what a difference! This picture was taken in mid July, on a 95 degree day. Look how thick and dense the grass is, even in the drought. Robert is using a simple step-in post and reusable wire to subdivide this pasture before our cattle enter a fresh field for their daily graze.