Cattle deaths mount in blistering heat wave
By Drovers news source
| Tuesday, July 20, 2010
An unusual trifecta of high temperatures, high humidity and low wind speeds have led to significant livestock losses in Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa over the past week.
Kansas feedyards have reported more than 1,000 cattle deaths due to the stifling heat wave.
The Kansas Livestock Association says management strategies for dealing with extreme heat in feedyards are limited. Research has shown the most effective practices include providing adequate shade, spraying with water, careful monitoring and proper feeding and watering. Discuss specific alternatives with your veterinarian and nutritionist to develop a strategy for your operation.
Overnight lows higher than 74 degrees do not allow cattle to adequately cool, requiring heightened observation and possibly intervention the following day. Livestock heat stress forecast maps are produced daily through a partnership of the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center and the National Weather Service. More information on heat stress forecasts and tips for managing such emergencies can be found by clicking here.
USDA’s livestock indemnity program (LIP) can compensate producers for animals lost during extreme weather events, including heat. LIP will pay on a per head basis for losses exceeding an established baseline loss percentage. For non-adult beef cattle over 800 lbs., the baseline death loss percent is 1.1% and the payment rate is $654.60 per head. For cattle between 400 and 799 lbs., the program will pay on losses over 1.9% at a rate of $432.59 per head. Cattle under 400 lbs. will be compensated at $302.58 per head over 2.7%. Producers will be required to notify the county Farm Service Agency office that maintains their farm records within 30 days of the loss and then file an application for payment by January 30, 2011. A producer must have an adjusted gross non-farm income of $500,000 or less on their tax return to qualify for payments. The program is capped at $100,000 per producer. Documentation of inventory and livestock losses will be necessary as part of the application process.
