Keeping crops and animals cool in hot temperatures

SEDGWICK, Kan. (KSNW) — Many native farmers are doing every little thing they will to maintain their crops and livestock alive in the warmth. This comes simply weeks after 2,000 cattle died in Southwest Kansas due to the climate.

For farms like Serenity Farm in Sedgwick, it may be a problem to attempt and beat the warmth all whereas retaining manufacturing going.

“Try to harvest our crops as early in the morning as we can get them cooled off and into the trailer,” stated Owner and Operator of Serenity Farm, Tiffany Dilts.

Dilts, her husband, and their eight children work every day on their farm, harvesting their 20 kinds of summer season crops and retaining their animals cool.

Dilts stated the cows are doing properly this 12 months with loads of shade and water, however different farms have been impacted.

“Heat stress does happen. We have been researching it for years, and years it can cost the beef industry in normal years up to $370 million,” stated Kansas State University’s Beef Systems Specialist Jaymelynn Farney.

Serenity Farm has not had any losses this 12 months, however they’re nonetheless coping with the hot temperatures.

“Our egg production definitely slows down. The chickens don’t want to be in the henhouse anymore than we want to be out in the sun ourselves,” stated Dilts.

Dilts stated that crop manufacturing is considerably gradual proper now as a result of swing in temperatures, however one factor has helped: their onions and weeds. They have round 40,000 onions, and the weeds have offered shade, permitting them to develop.

While they attempt to maintain the crops and animals hydrated, they should do the identical for themselves.

“Try not to push it too far. It has kind of been a challenge just cause there is so much to get done,” stated Dilts.

Dilts stated they attempt to take loads of breaks to make sure they don’t seem to be overdoing it.

As manufacturing is gradual proper now, she expects issues to select up close to the tip of July.