The scorching summer heat has proven fatal for numerous cows in Iowa and other states across the Midwest. According to Reuters, authorities in Iowa recently had to dispose of nearly 400 cows that succumbed to the heat on the last day of July, which happened to be the hottest month ever recorded. One farmer, Gary Vetter, shared his experience of losing over 50 cows despite taking measures to protect them. He expressed his astonishment, stating, “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Kansas has also witnessed the death of cows due to the soaring temperatures, albeit on a smaller scale compared to the thousands that perished last year. Bob Noble, president of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, revealed that two of his cows succumbed to the heat and humidity in late July, marking the first heat-related cattle deaths he has experienced in years. Farmers have been implementing various strategies to alleviate the heat stress on their animals, such as constructing shade structures and spraying them with water, as reported by KGAN.
In light of these challenges, farmers are turning to technological advancements for solutions. Meteorologist Chip Redmond from Kansas State University and his team pioneered a new tool that provides a comprehensive seven-day forecast, taking into consideration factors like humidity, wind, and temperature. This innovative approach will undoubtedly aid farmers in adapting to the impacts of climate change. However, they will encounter financial obstacles due to the expenses associated with implementing ventilation systems and other equipment, as well as the substantial increase in electricity consumption. (Read more heat wave stories.)
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