SUN JOURNAL • July 21, 2024
It’s been hotter and more humid than usual in Maine so far this summer, after a cool start. The combination is having a mostly positive effect on the region’s agriculture sector with larger fruit and produce and bigger yields. “From a weather perspective, this year is almost as good as we could have it,” said Jason Lilley, assistant extension professor of sustainable agriculture and maple industry educator with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. The heat and humidity are having some negative impacts as well — stressing animals, trees, plants and humans working in the fields.