Shone Farm Residents Weather Hot September Afternoon: Photo Of The Day

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — When Sonoma County started reaching into high 80-degree temperatures, local bovines turned the pasture irrigation rig into the day’s coolest gathering spot.

Shone Farm in Forestville climbed to a high of 86.6°F at 2:06 p.m. Monday, creating an unusually humid and sunny afternoon.

The climb was steep from the morning low of 48.8°F at 6:29 a.m.

Santa Rosa Junior College’s farm in Forestville uses a dedicated pasture irrigation system that relies on sustainability and water reclamation.

The Town of Windsor supplies tertiary-treated recycled water that partially irrigates the pastures. The system conserves local potable water and maintains livestock forage growth.

Shone Farm distributes cattle waterers and troughs throughout its permanent and rotational grazing fields. The equipment gives the herd constant access to clean drinking water without damaging natural-area watersheds, according to the college.