Despite recent showers, the ground remains quite hard and dry. Mud rings are near the surface in ponds, and wet-weather branches haven't run since early last Spring. Pastures have recovered from being frostbitten and are beautifully green again, but forage growth has been very slow for lack of timely and adequate rains.  There's a lot of talk that the first hay cutting will be light, and Summer forage will likely be less than normal. Most trees have leafed out, and the oaks are blossoming.  Windy conditions continue their drying effect, but fire risk is mitigated by green conditions. that continue to dry everything out.