By Andi Anderson
Dairy farming is becoming increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather, especially high heat and humidity. One of the biggest concerns is heat stress in dairy cattle, which causes reduced appetite, increased agitation, and greater risk of illness. These effects lead to a drop in milk production, particularly for smaller farms that lack cooling systems.
Recent research examined the impact of heat on milk yield by analyzing over 56 million records from 18,000 dairy herds between 2012 and 2016. These records included data on milk yield and quality, such as fat and protein content, and were combined with weather data. The study found that cows lose between 1.6% and 8.2% of their daily milk yield depending on the level of heat stress experienced in the previous week.
On average, farms in the Midwest lose about 1% of their yearly milk production due to heat stress. In total, the estimated loss in revenue over the five years studied was around $245 million. The research also showed that quality-adjusted milk yields give a more accurate picture of heat’s impact. Without adjusting for quality, results can be misleading, suggesting cold stress has a greater effect than it actually does.
Smaller dairy farms were found to be the most at risk. Herds with fewer than 100 cows experienced the greatest losses, as they often cannot afford advanced cooling systems like fans or sprinklers. Larger farms, in contrast, have been more successful in managing heat-related impacts.
The findings suggest that more investment is needed to help small dairy farms manage extreme heat. Technical and financial support can improve resilience and help these farms remain competitive despite changing weather patterns. As heatwaves become more frequent, addressing this issue is essential for the sustainability of dairy farming in the Midwest.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-peopleimages
Categories: Illinois, Education, Livestock, Dairy Cattle, Weather