A Farmer's Guide to Summer Stress on Crops and Livestock

The summer months can be a rewarding yet punishing time on the farm. While long days and warm weather fuel the growing season, they also bring the risk of heat stress, drought, and declining soil moisture. For growers, managing the effects of heat stress on crops and livestock is becoming an increasingly essential skill—especially as climate change brings more extreme heat and unpredictable weather patterns.

This farmer’s guide dives into the management practices you can implement to reduce heat stress on your farm. From shading beef cattle and small ruminants to choosing heat-resistant crops and improving soil health, these strategies will help you safeguard your farm’s productivity—and your well-being—through even the hottest months.

And remember: if you’re looking for funding, planning resources, or mitigation support, FarmRaise is here to help farmers like you adapt to today’s challenges.

Understanding the Impact of Summer Stress

When ambient temperatures rise and relative humidity climbs, your farm isn’t the only thing that feels the heat. Animals and plants alike suffer under hot weather, and the negative effects can cascade across your farming operation.

Here’s what summer stress can trigger:

• Reduced milk production in dairy herds.
• Lower feed intake and weight gains in livestock.
• Declines in crop yield and nutrient quality.
• Increased risk of disease due to body temperature elevation.
• Faster evaporation leading to soil temperature spikes and dry soils.
• Greater water demand—and competition—for irrigation water.

As climate change continues to shift weather conditions, farmers must actively prepare for longer and more intense heat waves.

Recognizing Signs of Heat Stress

Spotting the early signs of heat stress can help you act fast and prevent major losses.

In Livestock:

• Panting, rapid breathing
• Reduced feed intake
• Sluggishness or excessive lying down
• Open-mouth breathing (especially in beef cattle and small ruminants)
• Drop in milk production

In Crops:

• Leaf curling and wilting
• Blossom drop
• Stunted growth
• Sunburn on fruits or vegetables
• Premature seed formation

Using tools like the Temperature Humidity Index (THI) for livestock or monitoring soil moisture levels for crops can help you assess stress risks accurately.

Management Strategies for Livestock During Extreme Heat

Protecting your herds from summer temperatures is crucial for animal welfare, productivity, and profitability.

1. Enhance Cooling Systems

Install sprinklers or misters in shaded areas to create evaporative cooling. Make sure systems are placed where animals naturally congregate, like feeding and resting areas.

2. Increase Access to Clean Water

Provide plenty of fresh, clean water across pastures and pens. Water intake can double during extreme heat, so refill and clean troughs often.

3. Optimize Shade and Shelter

Use natural tree lines or construct shade cloth structures to reduce solar radiation exposure. Moving animals to shaded areas during peak sun hours can significantly lower their body temperature.

4. Adjust Feeding Times

Feed during cooler hours (early morning or late evening) to maximize feed intake and digestion efficiency.

Management Strategies for Crops in Hot Weather

While you can't control the summer temperatures, you can help your crops withstand the worst of it.

1. Choose Heat-Resistant Varieties

Opt for heat-resistant or drought-tolerant cultivars that can thrive under hot weather and limited water supply.

2. Improve Soil Health

Healthy soils hold water better. Build soil health by:

• Reducing tillage
• Using cover crops like legumes and buckwheat
• Adding compost to boost organic matter

3. Use Mulch Strategically

Mulching protects the soil surface, reduces soil temperature, and minimizes evaporation. Straw, hay, or living mulches like clover can shield crops during the hottest days.

4. Manage Irrigation Water Wisely

Switch to drip or low-pressure systems to deliver water directly to plant roots. Monitor soil moisture regularly to avoid over- or under-watering.

Soil Management for Drought Mitigation

Healthy soil is your best defense against drought conditions. Here’s how to strengthen it:

• Rotate crops to vary root depths and improve nutrient cycling.
• Reduce bare soil exposure by planting cover crops after harvest.
• Build up organic material to create a "sponge effect" for water retention.

FarmRaise Tip: Some USDA programs offer cost-share funds for soil-building practices like cover cropping and conservation tillage. If you're looking to offset costs, FarmRaise can connect you to the right programs.

Adapting to Changing Weather Patterns

Heat waves are not the exception anymore—they're becoming part of the growing season reality.

Long-term mitigation strategies include:

• Investing in shade and cooling systems for livestock.
• Diversifying your cropping system with heat-tolerant plants.
• Shifting planting and harvesting calendars based on updated weather conditions.
• Exploring crop insurance options that account for extreme heat and drought.

Utilizing Technology for Summer Stress Management

Modern farming tools make it easier to adapt:

• Soil moisture sensors help optimize irrigation.
• Weather apps forecast localized heat waves and drought risk.
• Smart sprinklers and misters automate cooling during peak heat.

FarmRaise makes it easy to integrate financial and operational planning with these technologies. From finding grants for precision agriculture tools to applying for conservation funding, we’re your partner in farming smarter under pressure.

The Role of Educators and Extension Agents

Local educators and cooperative extension agents are great sources for region-specific advice on:

• Best cover crops for heat mitigation.
• Livestock management during extreme heat.
• Soil health workshops.

Don't hesitate to reach out—these providers can offer insights tailored to your exact soil type, herd makeup, and microclimate.

Summer Stress on Livestock: Species-Specific Tips

Different species have unique vulnerabilities:

Beef Cattle

• High-producing cattle are more vulnerable due to higher body temperature generation.
• Avoid long transportation during high temperatures.

Small Ruminants (Sheep, Goats)

• Shearing sheep before the summer months can significantly reduce heat stress.
• Ensure pastures have ample shade.

Poultry

• Ventilation is key.
• Reduce handling during the hottest part of the day.

Mental Well-Being During the Summer Crunch

Heat stress doesn’t only affect your livestock and crops—it impacts your well-being too.

• Take breaks during peak heat hours.
• Stay hydrated and cool while working.
• Talk to neighbors, advisors, or support groups if stress builds up.

Farming in hot weather requires resilience, but it shouldn't mean sacrificing your health.

How FarmRaise Can Help You Stay Resilient

At FarmRaise, we know that thriving through the summer months takes more than hard work—it takes smart planning, the right resources, and support systems that truly understand farm life.

We help farmers like you:

• Find USDA and state funding for drought mitigation and soil conservation.
• Navigate cost-share programs for installing cooling systems and upgrading irrigation water strategies.
• Access practical tips for managing heat stress while improving your farm’s bottom line.
• Allows you to keep track of expenses you are spending on cooling your crops and animals.

Visit farmraise.com today to explore how we can help you grow stronger through every season—even during the most extreme heat.

Final Thoughts: Farming Smarter Through Summer Stress

Hot weather is a fact of farm life, but heat stress doesn’t have to derail your operation. With the right management practices, attention to soil health, investment in cooling and water systems, and support from partners like FarmRaise, you can not only survive—but thrive—through the hottest days.

Stay vigilant, stay hydrated, and remember: a resilient farm starts with a resilient farmer.

Use code 8MELC9B or sign up with this link now to get started with FarmRaise!

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