Hot and dry conditions are stressing Kentucky’s Ag industry. Madison County Extension Agent for Agriculture Brandon Sears said Madison County ranks second in the state for beef cattle production.
Sears noted livestock farmers have seen pastures and streams dry up. “Luckily we’ve not seen any types of major death loss right now, although we are in the period of time where the spring born calves are being weaned off the cow and so, this heat stress certainly adds to that already stressful weaning period,” said Sears.
Large populations of flies are also causing problems for farmers. Sears said that can have an effect on livestock. “Certainly it’s a nuisance for them. They don’t gain weight as efficiently and it’s also one of the major factors that contribute to the spread of pink eye,” explained Sears.
Sears said a big plunge in temperatures predicted this week will certainly help, but rainfall remains a big need. Those rains could arrive late this weekend.
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