NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) -- Dangerous temperatures are covering much of the nation this week, putting farmers, ranchers, and livestock in the crosshairs of a prolonged heat wave.
While the heat will create stressful conditions, one meteorologist says crop yields are not expected to see significant losses.
“I don’t think the yields are going to drop off significantly, but they’ll drop off a little bit in July,” said meteorologist Chad Merrill. “And then heading through August, we see near-average rainfall across the Corn Belt, and likely for temperatures to be near to slightly above average. So that’s what we’re seeing through the end of August at this point.”
The persistent stretch of hot weather is being driven by a heat dome that forecasters say is expected to remain in place through the Independence Day holiday.
“The difference between a heat dome and a more typical stretch of hot weather is the persistency and sometimes the intensity of that heat,” explains John Porter. “And so it’s hot, it’s humid across much of the central and eastern part of the United States. It looks like that pattern is going to be around to stay right through the Fourth of July holiday.”
Livestock producers are also taking steps to help animals cope with the extreme conditions.
“So if externally we’re looking at heat on heat, then there is no exchange of heat, and that heat remains in the animal,” said Alfredo DiCostanzo. “What we as managers are trying to do is enhance the exchange on that very tiny little molecule of air, if we can think about that in that manner. And the things that we have on hand, one of the most effective ones would be shade out on open feedlots. We’re hoping for the cooling effect of wind. I’m pretty cautious with recommending sprinklers because it can actually make matters worse from two perspectives. We need the air movement to be able to have effectiveness of wetting the coats of these cattle.”
Nebraska Extension says many operations rely on simple but effective cooling methods, including shade and increased airflow, to reduce heat stress in cattle.
Animal health officials note that cattle are not the only livestock affected. They say pigs are also highly sensitive to heat, with adequate airflow remaining one of the most important factors for keeping animals comfortable during periods of extreme temperatures.
