Hundreds of cattle died from extreme heat and humidity in Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska in late July. Kansas State University updated an online weather tool, Kansas Mesonet, in June to use National Weather Service forecasts to predict comfort levels for cattle a week ahead of time because day-of weather warnings are too late.
They just couldn’t handle the extra stress of the heat and humidity.” – Bob Noble
Source: Successful Farming, Reuters, August 7, 2023. Link. The USDA offers disaster assistance that may help compensate producers whose cattle died.
INSIGHTS: Colleagues in Oklahoma, North Texas and southern Missouri have mentioned heat-related cattle deaths, as well.