Dairy cows wilting under unprecedented heat, farmers warn

Head of the Dairy and Beef Producers Association McDonald Stevenson. (Photo Credit: Ricardo Roberts) Dairy cows are being forced to spend vital energy trying to stay cool rather than produce milk, as soaring temperatures and prolonged dry weather place the island’s herds under unprecedented stress, the president of the Dairy and Beef Producers Association has warned. As farmers are increasingly forced to confront the harsh, intensifying realities of global climate change, McDonald Stevenson, head of the Dairy and Beef Producers Association, is urging farmers to shield the dairy industry from the worst impacts of the scorching heat. Suggesting that the milk supply might still withstand the drop in yields, he urged farmers to urgently adapt their infrastructure, breeding programmes and forage management. He confirmed that while production has been affected, yields have not fallen to a level that threatens consumer supply. This stability is largely attributed to the seasonal nature of dairy farming and farmers’ proactive measures. The traditional calving season, which runs through to December in anticipation of the Christmas period, is well underway. This natural cycle is actively boosting the number of cows coming into lactation, thereby sustaining overall production volumes, according to the dairy farmer. Stevenson highlighted the severe physiological toll the persistent heatwave is taking on cattle. With daily temperatures frequently climbing to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and above, he said dairy cows are suffering significant heat stress. You Might Be Interested In He said: “Right now, we are getting levels like 90 degrees Fahrenheit and over, and frankly, when you get to 70 or 80 degrees, cows begin to feel the impact of the heat.” Bovines are far more sensitive to temperature increases than humans, feeling the effects of the heat long before their handlers do, said the dairy farmer. Animals are finding little to no respite from relentless daytime high temperatures that persist well into the night. The strain is limiting milk yields, as Stevenson explained, because the energy a cow should use to produce milk is instead being redirected toward biological survival and thermoregulation. When a cow is entirely focused on trying to cool itself down, a drop in overall productivity is the inevitable result. To mitigate these harsh environmental challenges, the dairy industry leader is advocating for a sweeping overhaul of livestock housing. Stevenson stressed that acknowledging climate change is merely the first step; actionable, on-the-ground changes are now essential. “If we really want to make a difference, we need to concentrate heavily on housing. Housing is critical for any animal.” Providing adequate shade and active cooling systems is no longer a luxury but is necessary, he said, calling on farmers to build purpose-built structures with roofs that allow natural ventilation, or a “blow-through,” and to introduce mechanical aids such as sprinkler systems to actively wet and cool the herds. The blistering sun is affecting all livestock, Stevenson said, pointing out that even animals traditionally viewed as more resilient to tropical climates are struggling. He observed that while sheep are often considered heat-tolerant, they too are actively seeking shade when the sun reaches its peak. Stevenson strongly advocated focusing on domestic breeding rather than importing foreign cattle to bolster herd numbers – despite the importation of dairy cows in 2020 and 2024. He said farmers have been diligently breeding more heifers to ensure a steady stream of new, locally acclimatised producers, noting that most farmers are now focusing heavily on getting more heifers on the ground. Now the dairy association president strongly opposes importation, citing severe biosecurity risks and acclimatisation issues. “I don’t like the idea that we have to import cows because when you bring cows, you bring something with them — some little bug all the time,” Stevenson said. He stressed that differing climates make imported animals highly vulnerable and difficult to manage, reinforcing his position that the industry must concentrate heavily on breeding local heifers to maintain production levels safely. Beyond heat stress, Stevenson highlighted a secondary crisis: the dry spell’s devastating effect on pasture grass. A consistent supply of high-quality roughage is fundamental to a cow’s ability to produce milk, and the current weather is severely hampering grass growth. Although brief showers offer temporary relief and cause the grass to sprout quickly, the immediate return of the scorching sun halts this progress. With the earth reportedly still cracking from the lack of sustained moisture, Stevenson warned of potential difficulties. He projected that if rainfall does not increase significantly, the agricultural sector could face a severe challenge in livestock feed by the end of next year. In light of this unpredictable weather, Stevenson strongly advised farmers to take a pragmatic, opportunistic approach to forage management. Rather than waiting for the grass to reach optimal heights, he urged producers to cut and store whatever is available now. “If you sit and say: ‘Oh, I can wait for it to grow another three inches,’ with the heat, it comes in scorching the grass all the time, so you’re not getting the growth.” By cutting and storing the existing grass immediately, farmers can secure at least a baseline level of feed reserves, he suggested. This strategy also clears the pastures, preparing them for fresh, rapid growth should the rains finally return in October. (RR)