Tom,

In SW WI  we had a couple weeks of 90+ temps with humidity this past summer but nothing like you and other folks further south and west have had.  The SE MN/NE IA/SW WI area is fortunate to have a moderate climate. There have been dry spells but the heavier soils in the area (mine are mostly Dubuque red clays) even though not real deep seem to hold moisture well.

I like the hills of this unglaciated area also. It's called the "driftless" area because the glaciers have never leveled the terrain and swept off the rocks.

I do have to say that it is usually very nice to come to KY's climate in February for the Louisville NFMS..

Pluses and minuses to any area I guess.  I think it is important to select cattle that are adapted to any given area and its climate and available grazing also. Not every cow works well in this grass system.

Thanks for the kind words.

Jim at Dawn