May is the month were we focused on production in anticipation of the seasonal peak that follows in June, July, and August in “normal” years- remember last years summer season was very short (1 month and 3 days). ‘Seasonality’ is a term that describes a concept that must be lived to understand. That is why I consider the farm slogan to be “living in and for the seasons, and for the days treasures”. Tomorrow is promised to no one…nor is the promise that every summer will be warm, long, and fruitful. All we can do is prepare for the best possible scenario and be resilient and resourceful and clever enough to play effectively the hand that is dealt to us. This year, May started out cool with an extended period of vog that began on the 13th. There was a nice bit of precipitation at months end giving 2.4 inches for the month- very average in Waipoli. The dust bowl days of June then set in with very hot cloudless sunny days that put a premium on irrigation. June ended very dry with only 0.4 inches of rain for the month. The season of stone fruits proceeded to run its course with smaller amounts of larger nectarine and peaches. Variety out in the gardens is unprecedented with never before seen items and more of them. The green houses are winding down and being readied for mid summers change over as most all items can be grown out in the fields now. We are now entering the “dog days” of summer where the dog star Sirius (brightest star in the sky) can be seen rising just before dawn.