"Cool Cows and Happy Herds: Why Shade Matters for Livestock"

"Hot days are upon us here in New Hampshire, and just like you, your livestock need a break from the sun too. Providing shade doesn’t just make animals more comfortable, it reduces heat stress and leads to healthier, more productive herds.

Beef cattle can begin experiencing heat stress at temperatures as low as 77°F. When humidity rises, the temperature threshold drops even further. So, a day that feels pleasant to you may be impact your animals’ health and productivity more than you realize. Animals dealing with heat stress spend less time grazing and eat less feed. This reduced intake slows weight gain and overall performance. Other impacts include lower conception rates, shortened estrus cycles, reduced birth weights, and increased early-life mortality." Read more