So far, there hasn’t been widespread livestock loss in Lyon County as related to roughly 10 straight days of above-normal heat. Which is good, because western Kansas has had some significant losses earlier this month.
Lyon County Extension ag agent Brian Rees says there likely has been “decreased performance” among local livestock due to the heat and, possibly, flies. Rees’ appearance on KVOE’s Morning Show on Monday followed reports of better than 2,000 head of cattle suddenly dying after a sharp spike in temperatures June 11. He says a combination of heat, humidity and lack of wind can be catastrophic.
Rees also says a possible contributing factor may have been the extreme cold from early 2021, when many head of cattle were born. Rees says some of the cattle may have had compromised lungs as they were born.
Rees says the recent rainfall has helped with a thicker grass load, but the higher humidity level and reduced wind have countered that to a degree. Livestock producers need to ensure a fresh, clean supply of water to help mitigate the heat risk, and Rees says any shade will also help.
Air temperatures will be in the mid-90s and heat index readings will be around 100-103 across the KVOE listening area Tuesday. Temperatures will be in the mid- and upper 80s Wednesday and Thursday before a sharp spike into the mid- and uppper 90s for Friday and Saturday.
