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

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

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.