Many YFC members will be involved in their family farms or work in a farming business. Farming in hot weather requires management of heat stress in livestock, crops, and your team.
Prioritise, where possible, early morning or late evening operations for handling animals and fieldwork.
Ensure access to cool water, ample shade, and proper ventilation.
Water access: Water intake increases by 10% to 20% during heatwaves. Ensure troughs are clean, out of direct sunlight, and always full. Add extra troughs to reduce crowding.
Shade and ventilation: Provide natural shade or well-ventilated man-made structures. In barns, optimise airflow using fans or paint south-facing translucent roof panels with white greenhouse paint to reduce solar radiation.
Handling and feeding: Avoid working, moving, or transporting stock during peak heat to limit stress. Schedule supplementary feeding for late afternoon or evening so the heat from digestion dissipates overnight.
Irrigation scheduling: Irrigate in the early morning or evening to minimise water loss from evaporation. Deep, thorough watering encourages roots to grow into cooler, deeper soil zones.
Shading and fabric: Use shade cloths (e.g., 30% shade for greens) to prevent bolting and sunburn. Consider laying white landscape fabric (white side up) to reflect sunlight and cool the root zone.
Nutrient Management: Refrain from applying fertiliser and spraying during the hottest part of the afternoon to reduce crop shock.
Work schedules: Shift strenuous physical tasks, vaccinations, and field operations to early mornings or late evenings.
Hydration: Provide easily accessible, cool drinking water and consider electrolyte replacements.
Clothing: Wear loose, light-coloured long sleeves and wide-brimmed hats. Take frequent breaks in shaded areas or air-conditioned cabs.
More information on keeping livestock cool during warm weather can be found on the RSPCA website.