A common question heard in cattle country is, “Is it too hot to work cattle today?” Thanks to a collaborative effort between the USDA, Oklahoma State University, Kansas State University, the University of Oklahoma and the weather co-op known as Mesonet, we now have a National Cattle Comfort Index guide and mapping program readily available on the internet. The program was funded by the USDA and produces three base maps:
- Cattle Comfort Index at 100% Solar Radiation
- Cattle Comfort Index at 60% Solar Radiation
- Cattle Comfort Index at 20% Solar Radiation
Source: Drovers, May 17, 2018. Link. (block quote)
The maps are created automatically every 60 minutes, and users select a map from the above based on the cloud cover at their particular location within the US. Maps also generated to aid producers include:
Air Temperature at 1.5 meters
Wind Speed at 10 meters
Percent Relative humidity at 1.5 meters
Solar Radiation at 100, 60, and 20 percent levels
The authors recommend using the 100% solar radiation map for determining maximum stress level in the summer months and the 20% solar radiation map for the winter months. The monitor can be found at: http://cattlecomfort.mesonet.us. It includes the maps, historical data and great “How to” guide.
INSIGHTS: Every animal health pro who interacts with cattle veterinarians and producers needs to carry this information and spread the word about these valuable tools. Use this article for social media posts, on websites and in newsletters. Also, share it with 4-H and FFA groups.