How Boone County Fair showmen are protecting animals for hot temperatures

With temperatures rising, local FFA students are taking serious steps to protect their animals from heat stress.

"The heat definitely plays a toll," Mackenzie Black, Southern Boone High and Ashland FFA instructor said. "It can cause livestock to eat less and can lead to heat stress like we experience."

Black says fans and fresh water are essential. "We had fans going all the time, all the barn doors open for ventilation, and I changed out their water two to three times a day," she said.

Some even use cooling cloaks on their animals. "Just like the ones people wear on their necks, we put them on the animals at shows," Black said.

According to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, heat stress is especially dangerous when combined with high humidity and low wind speed, and can lead to panting, slobbering, and even trembling.

At the Boone County Fair, FFA members Mackenzie Lauer and Charlotte Thompson are keeping their lambs cool with the help of those ProCool Blankets and plenty of water.

"We put ice in the water or flavor packets so they actually drink it," Lauer said. "That keeps them hydrated."

FFA members Kodie Ewing and Kaitelyn Leslie said that it's important to take extra measures if they notice an animal may be at greater risk of heat stroke.

"We drench overheated lambs with electrolytes—basically forcing them to drink," Ewing said. "It’s all about keeping their environment cool."

FFA member Calen Nichols says they use fans, shade, and even hose downs to keep animals cool. "We’ll spray them and make sure they’re not in the sun," Nichols said.

Trenton Bollinger from Lantz' Exotic Petting Zoo agrees that water is key. "We provide shade, fans, and clean cold water to keep them hydrated, just like we need," he said.

"If an animal overheats, we take them to the vet for electrolytes and vitamins," Bollinger added. "Then we make sure they have constant clean water after that."

According to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, if the heat index reaches over 110, animals should be in the shade with fans and shows should wrap up by noon before it gets too hot.

Heat stress can lead to reduced weight gain, reproductive issues, and even death, researchers say, which makes these kids’ efforts more than just responsible, it's critical.