The past couple of weeks have been pretty oppressive here in Southern Iowa. There has been next to no breeze, plenty of heat, lots of thunder showers, and buckets of humidity. There have been more than a few days where you walked out and immediately started sweating like you had just run a marathon in the desert! And to think ... it isn't even July yet. But, we have been making it through the heat by taking some precautions and being careful.- Of course I have been making sure to drink plenty of water. All those years in Boy Scouts are really starting to pay off and I know that it is important to not only drink water while you are working, but also before hand to help keep yourself hydrated. Also, ice cold water isn't alway the best...
- The livestock need plenty of clean water as well, so we have been constantly refilling their waterers and making sure the water they have is clean. Usually I have to spray out a waterer once a day, but the livestock really need that clean fresh water.
- Breaks have also become a big part of the work. In cooler weather I just like to go and go because I usually have a limited time to do stuff, but in the oppressive heat and humidity that we have had it is important to take some time and rest.
- Another way I combat the sweltering summer is to put on my Amish hat (cheap and readily available). It isn't very stylish, but it is straw so my head can breathe a little and the shade that it provides to my face, ears, and neck will be appreciated for years to come (no skin cancer please).
I'm not sure how all of you in the hot and humid south deal with this all the time, but I would love to hear your tricks and tips!
