Farmers across northeast Wisconsin are hoping for a break in the weather after starting the week with two days under a heat advisory.

A mostly dry week gave farmers nearly six days suitable for fieldwork, allowing them to cut hay and apply fertilizer and herbicide with few interruptions. Some farmers are even harvesting wheat, with the USDA estimating that 5% of this year's crop has already been harvested.

Kevin Wilke of Wilke R Organic Farm in Sturgeon Bay said he would not mind a little rain for his fields, adding that his corn and other crops are beginning to feel the effects of the dry conditions. According to the USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, 13% of the state's topsoil moisture is rated short to very short, while 15% of subsoil moisture falls into those categories.

The heat is not ideal for cows either, as they can begin to experience heat stress when temperatures rise above 70 degrees. Unlike many dairy cows that are kept in temperature-controlled barns, Wilke's herd is required under organic standards to spend time grazing outdoors regardless of the temperature. He said the pastures are often cooler than people might expect, and strategically placing hay bales beneath trees provides additional shade. The cows also tend to eat lighter meals on warmer days, much like people do.

Wilke added that, so far, his cows are bucking the typical trend of producing less milk during hot weather. In fact, he said they are producing more.