Fighting the Heat: Farmers and Vets Team Up to Shield Livestock from Soaring Summer Temperatures

As the summer sun bears down on Canyon County, farmers are stepping up their efforts to shield their animals from a silent but deadly threat—heat stress. Long before the thermometer hits triple digits, livestock begin to suffer, and local producers know that every degree counts when it comes to protecting their herds.

Source: World Animal Protection US

Brad McIntyre, a fourth-generation rancher at McIntyre Family Pastures in Caldwell, is constantly adjusting his routines to keep his cattle cool and healthy. He explains that once temperatures hit the 70s, cows start to feel the strain, making access to cold, flowing water and fresh pasture essential. The heat doesn’t just affect the animals' comfort—it strikes at the heart of their productivity. Weight gain slows, meat quality drops, and in the case of his grass-finished steers, the prized flavor from fat development simply doesn't happen.

Pigs face an even steeper challenge. With limited ways to regulate their body temperature, they depend heavily on shade and wallowing in mud to cool down. Without relief, their health quickly deteriorates. It’s this kind of hands-on, responsive care that has become second nature to McIntyre and others who refuse to let the heat win.

Veterinarians are equally concerned. Dr. Zach Raptosh of Lake Shore Animal Hospital sees firsthand how rising temperatures can disrupt reproduction, reduce milk production, and weaken immune systems. Even brief exposure to extreme heat can leave animals vulnerable to illness, creating a domino effect that reaches far beyond the farm gate.

With climate patterns shifting and heatwaves becoming the new norm, the message is clear: vigilance is no longer optional. For farmers like McIntyre, it’s about staying one step ahead, adapting quickly, and doing whatever it takes to keep animals healthy and the food supply secure. This fight against the heat isn’t just about weathering the season—it’s about safeguarding the future of farming itself.