Hot Weather Causes Concern for Dairy Farmers

Jul 19, 2012

Extreme Heat Reducing Milk Production in North America

Dairy farmers know that when the temperature goes up, milk production tends goes down. The reduction of milk output is not just related to the temperatures that cow’s experience, but also the quality and quantity of forages used for feed. As extreme temperatures scorch the continent, pasture lands and grazing forages have suffered greatly, causing more dairy farmers to purchase feeds.

Although there isn’t a whole lot that farmers can do about the weather, they can take some extra precautions to ensure that their cattle stay healthy and happy during the hottest year in over a half a century. Cow comfort is an important issue that needs to be addressed when the weather is less than kind; and keeping your cows comfortable will help to maintain optimal milk production levels.

Here are a few tips that help keep the milk flowing on my farm:
•    Keep barn doors open and utilize ventilation systems
•    Use misting fans to keep the cows cool (investigate water restrictions in the area)
•    Use fans to keep air circulating in the barn
•    Provide comfortable bedding and shade
•    Modify diet to replenish lost electrolytes and maintain feed intake
•    Always have ample water available for the herd at all times
•    If cows are in pasture, centralize the water supply for quick and easy water access

Some of the symptoms of heat stress include reduced feed intake and consequently, reduced milk production. Cattle can become listless and less mobile in extreme heat, so it’s important to recognize these symptoms quickly and take the appropriate measures for cooling the animals. Temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit with elevated humidity levels of 50% can be lethal for dairy cows, so watch closely for signs of heat stress in your herd.

Video: Will the 2025 USDA December Crop Report Be a Market Mover/Surprise?

Historically, the USDA December crop report is a non-event or another dud report as the USDA reserves any final supply changes to the final report in January of the following year in this case 2026. But after the longest U.S. government shutdown in history at 43 days and no October crop report will they provide more data/surprise and make an exception?
Our China U.S. soybean purchase tracker is now at 26.6% or a total of 3.2 mmt but for traders it’s taking too long to unfold.
The final Stats Canada production report was bearish canola and wheat projection a record crop in both (it adds to the global glut of supplies) and bullish local corn and soybean prices in Ontario/Quebec thanks to a drought. It will not help the fund flow short-term, the USDA may need to offset it?
A U.S. Fed interest rate cut of another 25-basis point next Wednesday (probability 87.1%) could help fund flow and sentiment in stock and ag commodities into year end.
More inflows into Bitcoin this past week saw prices rebound back above 90,000 with support at 82,000 and resistance at 96,000.
A V-shaped bottom in cattle suggest the lows are in after Mexico reported another new world screwworm case. Lower weights, seasonal demand and higher U.S. beef select/choice values with a continued closure of the Mexican border to cattle will result in a resumption of higher cattle futures into yearend.
Australia is expected to produce its 3rd largest wheat crop ever at 36 mmt adding to the global glut of supplies.
Reports of ASF in hogs in Spain the largest pork exporter in Europe could see the U.S. win more pork export business long-term.
If the rains verify into next week of 3-5 inches for Brazil it would go a long way to fixing the dry regions from the last 2-months, but the European weather model has been wrong for the past 2-months!
Natural gas futures are surging to the 3rd price count as frigid hold temps set in.
CDN $ is also surging to end the week on a very resilient economy and better employment numbers suggesting no interest rate cuts next week.
Finally, the CFTC report showed funds were net buyers of soybeans but sellers of corn, canola and wheat. In real time the funds have gone back to selling as they take some profits.