Hello.

I am a Korean farmer who has been running an orchard in Victorville, California for 15 years.

After running a furniture business in Koreatown for 20 years, I bought the farm through a friend's introduction, feeling like I learn something new every day.

Now, my back often hurts, and my knees ache when I climb stairs, but I still find small joys in the farm work every day.

The fruits I grow are apples, pears, and jujubes. As you know, jujubes thrive in the desert-like climate of Victorville.

The problem is that this summer is expected to be very hot.

According to the weather agency, this summer will definitely be warmer than average.

The average temperature ranges from 74 to 95 degrees, but this year it is expected to be much hotter and last longer.

Moreover, some experts say that the heat exceeding 95 degrees could continue until November... If it's tough for people, how much harder will it be for the trees and animals?

Apple trees are sensitive to high temperatures and can get sunburned, pears struggle with moisture control leading to fruit splitting, and jujubes can ripen too quickly and burst their skins.

So these days, I check the condition of the trees from morning till night, covering the roots with straw, putting up shade cloth, and adjusting the watering times.

However, the real pride of my farm lies elsewhere.

Three golden retrievers, a husky, chickens, and ducks... These friends keep me entertained and live harmoniously together.

These creatures live in harmony and friendship.

I often think while watching them.

"How wonderful it would be if people could live like these animals."

So here, my farm is a kind of 'mountain education center.' A place to learn how to live harmoniously with nature, without greed.

But no matter how peaceful the farm is, we must remain humble in the face of the weather.

This summer's heat poses a threat not only to the trees but also to these animal friends.

The dogs have double coats, so I need to fill a tub with water for them to rest in the shade, and the husky loves cool surfaces, so I laid a marble slab in the shade, and he loves it. Chickens lay fewer eggs when stressed by heat, so I need to provide them with shade and heat shields.

The ducks are fine in the pond, but I need to install more fencing to keep out coyotes and raccoons, clean the coop, and ensure good ventilation.

These creatures are like my children, so I check on them at night to make sure they are okay in the heat.

After 15 years of farming, every summer feels new.

This year, my worries are particularly great.

Nevertheless, today and tomorrow, I will continue to walk this land, water the trees, and feed the animals.

That is my way of happiness.

I hope everyone stays safe in the summer of 2025.

Fruits, animals, and people—I hope we can all overcome the heat together.