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Help livestock survive the extreme heat

An extension specialist says producers should be careful working with livestock during the August heatwave.

Daniel Mallory with University of Missouri Extension tells Brownfield several producers in dry areas are still hauling water to cattle and working earlier in the day can alleviate stress.

“Getting up earlier and working a lot sooner in the day, avoiding the heat will benefit everyone.”

Mallory says producers should also make sure livestock have plenty of shade and airflow. Also, in extreme heat, he says cattle can stop eating and its important they have plenty of water.

“If you have an animal that’s standing in shade, gasping for air and looking hot, they could be having a hard time and be ready for that.”

The National Weather Service has an excessive heat warning in effect in southern Minnesota and portions of Wisconsin through Wednesday night. The warning continues in Arkansas, eastern South Dakota, portions of Nebraska, Indiana, Iowa and Ohio through Thursday.

It goes through Friday night in Illinois, Kansas, western Kentucky, Missouri and western Tennessee with heat index values expected to range from 105 degrees to 115 degrees Fahrenheit in areas.