How cow showers and fans help farmers keep cattle cool
Summary
Dairy farmers in southwest England are using cooling systems like fans and sprinklers to help cows deal with hotter and drier summers. Heat and drought have lowered milk production by up to 20%, forcing farmers to spend thousands on equipment and use winter feed earlier than usual.Key Facts
- Hotter, drier summers are causing stress to dairy cows and reducing milk output by about 20%.
- Farmers like Sarah Godwin have spent around £15,000 on ventilation and sprinkler systems to cool their cattle.
- Large fans installed in milking parlours create airflow that helps keep cows comfortable.
- Drought conditions are damaging grasslands, making pasture feed less nutritious and scarce.
- Farmers are feeding cows winter stock earlier due to poor summer forage growth.
- Climate scientists say prolonged dry spells are becoming a normal challenge, not just extreme events.
- Some areas in southwest England are experiencing the worst drought in 50 years.
- Farmers report that cows avoid the fields during the hottest parts of the day and stay in barns to stay cool.
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