While we can’t control the heat, there are some things we can control to help cattle through it. 

1. Water – Make sure cattle have access to plenty of clean water, and that there is enough access space for all cattle, including calves, to get to water. 
2. Shade – If you have the option, move cattle to a pasture that offers shade, or use portable windbreak panels to provide some shade.
3. Air movement – Give cattle the opportunity to get into the breeze, if there is one. 
4. Surface – Access to surfaces that are covered with vegetation will help cattle keep their temperatures lower. 
5. Additional stress – Consider rescheduling anything that will add stress to cattle, like gathering, turning bulls out, preconditioning, etc, if that's an option. 

Additional resources for dealing with heat stress in cattle:

Heat

• Time to start planning for heat in the feedlot
• Strategic Deployment of Heat Abatement Strategies
• Helping Cattle Cope with Summer Heat
• Ensuring Beef Quality Assurance to Beat the Heat
• The Nebraska Mesonet Cattle Comfort Index can be helpful in determining when cattle are at risk for heat stress.

Water

• How much water do cattle need and what water problems should ...
• How to Increase Water Access for Feedlot Cattle in Hot Weather ...
• Meeting Water Needs of Cattle in the Feedlot

Fly Control

• Stable Flies on Pastured Cattle
• Horn Flies and Control Options
• Face Flies on Pastured Cattle

Additional Resources for later this summer

Dealing with heat stress in newborn calves as part of a fall-calving cowherd (YouTube Video)

Heat stress in fall-calving cows (YouTube video)

Please reach out to your local Extension educators or our Extension specialists if you have questions or concerns.