When Stressors Take Center Stage
Have you noticed how conversations these days start out with something like “Is it hot enough for you?” “Is your grass are drying up” “I’m ready for heat relief.” “When is it going to rain?” There’s a blast of extremely hot air just waiting when you step outside your door. The grass is reaching the dead-of-winter look; there’s a crisp feel and snap-crackle-pop sound as you walk across it. Heat and drought have taken center stage, and it is on nearly everyone’s mind.
Do these conditions affect farmers, ranchers, and livestock? Yes. About a decade ago, an older, wiser friend told me more wind accompanies a severe drought. Much of Oklahoma is now realizing that exact phenomenon firsthand. Humans are adversely affected. Cattlemen are facing severe challenges as forage is destroyed, water supplies shrink and operational costs increase. Some, with pastures lacking necessities, are forced to sell cattle. Others are traveling to where rainfall has been plentiful to purchase hay to get by. The National Institute of Health reports extreme heat and prolonged drought increase irritability, psychological distress, and aggressive behavior while straining mental health.
Heat stress takes a toll on livestock - calves eat less causing slower weight gain, lower fertility in cows is realized, and pregnant cows may give birth to lighter weight calves.
John’s Farm has a well-thought plan to maintain the health of our livestock and lessen the heat/drought effects on the land:
1. Water: Cattle double or triple water intake in this extreme weather; we are checking water sources daily to make sure drinking water is readily accessible.
2. Barley: A plentiful supply of organic barley, raised solely on our farm, provides livestock a nutritional supplement by providing sustained, light energy, high soluble fiber, and cellular protection without overworking the digestive system.
3. Check: Early morning or late evening check-ups on cattle health, water, and hay so livestock can remain in shady areas during the hottest parts of the day.
4. Process: Monitor calves closely to determine most efficient weight and make timely processing appointments, thereby lessening pressure on the forage and water supplies.
5. Pray: Each of us has stressors in our lives that affect our actions. The good news is we have a sovereign God who controls nature and eases temperaments; He hears our pleas; He cares; He provides. Keep the faith. Be kind. Pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances.
Through every season, our commitments to one another, our family, the land, and the livestock remain the same: love and care for people, be stewards of the land and livestock, provide for one another and others.
Blessings...John & Kris - Philippians 4:19