Q: How do you keep your animals from overheating in the summer?
A: Being active in animal agriculture, I’m often asked what we do to help our animals avoid stress from the summer heat. That stress can cause animals to not meet production goals, such as milk or rate-of-gain. I oversee a small farm of diversified livestock in addition to helping with my family’s operation of row crops and livestock in Christian County. I follow three main practices to keep our animals from overheating. First, I provide clean, fresh water. I always have this available, but I place extra tanks out during the summer. Keeping the animals hydrated will help reduce stress that may occur. Secondly, I ensure the animals have a shaded spot, whether inside the barn or under trees. Lastly, I ensure proper airflow in the barn by keeping the doors open and adding a large fan at one end to create a breeze. Helping animals avoid times of stress helps them meet production goals. We, as farmers, don’t only care about their production but also for the animals themselves. Just like humans, animals need a chance to get relief from the heat in the summer months.
Amy Heberling is a farmer in Christian County and serves on the Illinois Farm Bureau’s Young Leader Committee.
See more: Ask a Farmer: What technology do you utilize on your family’s farm?
