Watch for heat stress in livestock as temps climb

Watch for heat stress in livestock as temps climb By Gail Ellis STILLWATER, Okla. – The heat of summer is setting in, and after a cool spring, livestock are not yet fully acclimated to warmer temperatures. In a recent edition of the Oklahoma State University Extension Cow-Calf Corner newsletter, Paul Beck, Extension beef nutrition specialist, said cattle could suffer from heat stress. “In hot summer conditions, heat transfer failures cause accumulation of body heat resulting in heat…

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Windbreak Wisdom

Proper placement and construction of windbreaks can pay off. by Kris Kohl, Iowa State University Extension Winter is coming fast and bringing with it snow and wind. Cattle and farmsteads both can benefit from properly placed windbreaks. There are two main windbreak functions on a farm: livestock windchill protection and snow windbreaks. We’ll discuss how to use each one to its greatest benefit. Livestock windchill protection windbreaks are built to be 20% open…

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OSU wildfire experts available

Oklahoma State University Extension specialists are available to discuss the weather and environmental conditions that have put the state in a heightened state of fire risk. Citing extended dry weather, warm temperatures, low humidity and high winds, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry recently announced a high risk of wildfires across the state. The department’s regularly updated Fire Situation Report started the week with the state’s preparedness level already at 3 on a 1-5…

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