In excessively hot weather, these five tips can make a difference in caring for your livestock.

1. Make sure clean, cool water is accessible at all times.
2. Provide shade.
3. Minimize animals’ exertion. Any handling or transporting should be done early in the morning.
4. Provide air circulation by opening barn doors and windows and/or using fans.
   • Ideally, use fans with enclosed motors designed for use in barns. Be very cautious with residential-style fans as they can be a fire risk: check cords carefully for damage; keep fans very clean. For all fans, keep them away from feed, bedding, and any other easily flammable materials.
5. Provide misters or sprinklers.