Heat Could Impact Cattle Ranchers, Sales

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The blistering temperatures could have an impact on cattle ranchers. Heat stressed cattle tend to have a significant drop in appetite which causes a herd not to gain the weight needed for a good profit. Instead of grazing, cattle can be seen hiding in the shade or watering holes.

"The weight gain is very important and when we lose a bit of weight gain, the margins in the business are so small it can be a big factor in whether you're making money or losing money," said Bill Barnhart of OKC West Livestock Market.

He said he's been concerned his sales with cattle would die because of the heat but said everyone has been lucky. Part of that can be attributed to the prevention measures he takes like misters in the pens.

Although dealing with Oklahoma heat is an annual issue, Barnhart said the concern this year is how early the intensely heat has come.

Barnhart said to avoid a significant impact, rain and cooler temperatures need to arrive soon.

Experts said if the sun doesn't scale back, ranchers will have to make tough decisions, like bringing cattle to market sooner then they wanted to. Barnhart has already seen that decision at auction this week.

"We had about 9,500 cattle, typically for us around 6,000 would have been average this time of year," Barnhart said.

Early heat turning into an early loss of appetite and potential dollars as the cattle turn away from the horn.

"They're just like you and I are. They find them a cool spot in the hot weather, they're going to stay there in that cool spot," Barnhart said.

The misters and care at OKC West has proved worthwhile. They haven't had any cattle die at auction.

Another concern is for cows that are pregnant. If the heat continues, they may have a hard time nursing when the calves are born.

Get the latest market reports for the OKC West Livestock Market.