By Jamie Martin
A recent study by the University of Illinois reveals that small Midwest dairy farms are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, resulting in substantial annual losses in milk production.
This research examined milk production data from nine Midwest dairy farms and incorporated temperature and humidity levels to assess heat stress impacts accurately. It was found that while average milk yield losses due to heat stress amount to about 1% annually, smaller farms see nearly twice this loss.
Marin Skidmore, co-author of the study, highlighted the financial implications: "To some extent, it's only 1.6%. But if you're really making every dollar from your paycheck count, because you're living in a time with high costs, then 1.6% of your paycheck being gone in a given year is meaningful."
The study projects that the frequency of extreme heat days will increase, potentially raising milk yield losses by about 30% within the next 25 years.
Smaller farms, often more susceptible to environmental stressors, are at a higher risk, and the ongoing trend of small dairy farm closures adds to the urgency of finding solutions.
Recommendations for mitigating heat stress include better timing of feeding and calving, as well as enhancements to farm infrastructure like sprinklers and ventilation systems.
The necessity for more support is clear, as Skidmore notes, "Having the access to enough capital to make these really big investments is difficult, and grants or loans to help small farms adopt some of these management technologies could be one avenue to help small farms cope with heat stress and keep them competitive."
This research not only underscores the challenges faced by small dairy farms but also the critical need for continued innovation and support to ensure their survival and competitiveness in an increasingly challenging climate.
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Categories: National