REDFIELD, Iowa (DTN) -- Heatwaves are often unpredictable, but when they are forecasted, livestock producers can take fast action to prevent problems.

University of Missouri (MU) Extension state beef nutritionist Eric Bailey said the prolonged heat exposure can have major effects on some animals, especially older, less healthy cattle with low body condition scores. High temperatures combined with high humidity and high dew point cause problems with this group, along with heavier cattle in feedlots. Cattle can acclimate to gradual increases in these conditions, but drastic shifts bring on heat stress.

MU Extension state specialist in veterinary toxicology and animal health Tim Evans said cattle affected by the heat can have poor fertility, lower milk production, poor weight gain, digestive tract problems and increased susceptibility to infectious disease.

Overall, animals need to have proper amounts of water, shade, ventilation, air movement and be able to properly cool down to stay healthy and not have heat stress.

HIGHER TEMPERATURES ARE FORECAST

DTN Ag Meteorologist John Baranick said, "A dome of heat is going to be building across the southern tier of the U.S. this weekend and especially next week." High temperatures well into the 90s are expected from Texas up to Kansas and probably parts of Missouri and the Southeast as well. He said a few spots will probably either get close to or eclipse the 100-degree mark.

"What will be worse is the overnight low temperatures. With a lot of humidity building in the heat as well, it will be difficult to cool down overnight. Dew points in the 70s will mean that lows won't go lower than that," he added. It is possible overnight lows may stay in the 80s on a couple of occasions as well. The overall heat is expected to be longer-lasting this time, with these types of extreme temperatures continuing through the end of July and quite possibly into early August as well. These areas in the Southern Plains show the most likelihood of extreme temperatures for the longest period of time.

These areas are also where many of the larger feedlots are, which means workers at those facilities will need to keep a closer watch on cattle and provide as much relief as possible. In a DTN article last year, Baranick stressed the importance of caution with a combination of temperature and humidity, especially with fat cattle, as they seem more susceptible to those conditions. "The combination of heat and humidity is bad for all animals, but to what degree is that dangerous for cattle is what needs to be watched," he said.

TIPS FOR KEEPING CATTLE COOL

The MU Extension specialists said it is important to allow air movement to keep cattle cooler. Water is the best tool for keeping the animals hydrated, and it can also be used with a sprinkling device for cooling, but they said to avoid extremely cold water due to the intense difference in temperatures. Providing shade near water tanks or feed bunks can be helpful as well.

"Animal handling should be avoided during extreme heat to keep cattle in a calm, strategic manner when it is cooler," they added. "Avoid bunching as it traps heat, cuts radiation and convection in half and raises humidity significantly."

Additionally, cattle should have good fly control and be monitored for respiratory disease. "Recognize that heat-stressed cattle, especially those bunching in structures with poor ventilation, are likely to be particularly susceptible to bacterial and viral respiratory diseases," Evans said.

HELP WHEN LOSSES OCCUR

The Livestock Indemnity Program, available through the United States Department of Agriculture, will provide funds to producers with losses due to weather extremes. In the recently passed "One Big Beautiful Bill," indemnity payments increased to 75% of the market value of livestock that die due to adverse weather events or disease. That includes allowing USDA to consider regional price premiums if producers can document those prices.

To apply for the LIP, producers must complete and submit notice of loss and an application for payment to their local Farm Service Agency office. The compensation is available if approved once the application is filed with proper documentation.

For more information on the LIP, visit: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/…

More management practices can be found at:

-- "Caring for Cattle During Heat Wave," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

-- "Management Practices Important as High Temperatures, Humidity Stress Cattle," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com

Follow her on social platform X @JennCattleGal

(c) Copyright 2025 DTN, LLC. All rights reserved.