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News Brief

July 1, 2025 |  By: Gavin McGough

The heat can affect cattle as well

Cow in photo

© 2025 The Nature Conservancy. All Rights Reserved

It appears the summer heat is here to stay, bringing stress and health risks to cattle herds in the state.

Farmers can employ a number of techniques to cool down their herds. Encouraging the animals to spread out is essential. Provide ample shade from shelters or pasture trees, spread out water sources so animals do not pack together, and rotate pasture as often as practical. Farmers can even introduce certain beneficial wasps which prey on flies, lowering pest numbers. Fewer flies means less irritation to cattle, reducing stress and strain.

Beef Specialist with the University of Missouri Extension Eric Bailey says these tips can lead to better outcomes for herds over the summer. He notes “Heat stress costs real money,". It can mlimit a cows capacity to grow and put on weight, and produce milk.

The extension Office also warns farmers to look out for tall-fescue, a heat-loving pasture-grass which thrives in Missouri. According the Bailey, the grass is actually toxic to cattle. It can restrict their blood vessels and limit their ability to cool down. More informaiton is available at extension.missouri.edu.