This past week my area along the Baraboo River and Wisconsin River valleys were in desperate need of rain. Both Rivers were very low. Reedsburg was 4 weeks without significant rain, Baraboo was over 3 weeks and I was at 3 weeks.  It has been hot and sunny through this stretch. Farm crops on light soils were in tough shape with plants dying. Otherwise, all other corn beans and hay were growing slowly. Farm ditches, small marshes and frog ponds were dry.  Larger sloughs, ponds, lakes and sloughs were receding.  On Friday the 31st week had nice soaking rain starting mid-morning ending early Saturday morning.  I had 2.41", Baraboo 2.47" and Reedsburg 2.34".  Everything responded to the rain. Before that there was a danger of wildfires from dead dry vegetation.  Many lawns quit growing and were brown and crunchy under foot.  Gardens needed watering often. Wildlife had to travel for water.  It was great weather for harvesting hay and wheat, as well as outdoor construction and activities.