Temperatures are anticipated to reach into the upper 90s in many sections of Kentucky over the next few days. That can create additional stress on the farm.
When temperatures draw close to triple digits, it’s a given that increases the need for shade and plenty of water for livestock. Madison County Extension Agent in Agriculture Brandon Sears said it can also mean a tough time in the fields. Sears said an unusually cool and dry spring had already cut hay field yields about in half.
“Being that they are mostly cool season grasses the added heat right now is really gonna shut them down…so that will probably cause a decrease in the amount of grass growth for both hay and grazing,” said Sears.
Sears noted the high heat could carry an impact on pollination for corn, less so for soybeans. The county extension agent added about two dozen farmers were hit in June with corn damage from a hailstorm.
In assessing heat-related risks to Madison County’s high beef cattle population, Sears said fungus on tall fescue grass is especially harmful during high heat days.
“When livestock consume it, that fungus causes vasoconstriction of their blood vessels..and so they’re not able to circulate blood out to their extremities..as well…and so as a result they aren’t able to dissipate heat from the center of their body,” said Sears.
Sears noted it can cause some complications with reproduction. Plus, Sears added many of the beef cattle in his county of Madison are black-haired and that makes them more susceptible to hot sunlight.
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