Heat and humidity create discomfort for everyone - but what about livestock?

Livestock, if they could talk, would probably tell us they prefer much colder weather. A winter day at 20 degrees with no wind would not bother most livestock.

Generally, when it is above 80 degrees and especially with high humidity, production losses will occur. While there are certain management practices that producers use with some success to minimize

such

losses, they still occur.

Dairy producers will notice a drop in milk production and a below- average conception rate for breeding.

Flies and other insects can be more of a problem. There are some herds with docked tails, somewhat funny-looking, yes, but no chance for the operator to catch a switch to the face. Fly and insect control measures are used on all livestock farms. It is just preference of whether to dock tails or not.

Some producers feel cows are cleaner and healthier with docked tails; some will disagree - it comes down to the type of barn and handling facilities on various farms.

Reduced feed consumption is directly related to livestock being too hot. It results in less milk and eggs. In the case of hogs and beef cattle, reduced feed consumption will result in smaller than normal weight gain. This in the end means longer period of time to reach market weight.

Some of the many practices used to help livestock keep their cool include: fans in the barn, grazing at night instead of during the heat of the day, sprinkler systems in barns, use of a hose to cool with water, feeding smaller portions more often and using proven insect control measures, just to name a few.

Just like anyone else, livestock do not like the heat and humidity.

The Farm Service Agency reminds America's farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers that they have until Aug. 15 to nominate candidates to serve a three year term on U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency county committees.These committees play an important role in the delivery of FSA farm programs at the grassroots level. To ensure that FSA programs serve the needs of all agricultural producers, all producers and other stakeholders across the nation should nominate candidates to serve on FSA county committees in their communities.Any agricultural producer who resides within the local administrative area from which a member of his or her county committee is being elected, and who is eligible to participate or cooperate in an FSA program, may become a nominee.For 2005 in Butler/Beaver/Allegheny County, a seat on the county committee in the following areas is open for election this year:Area Number 1 includes the following Butler County townships: Mercer, Slippery Rock, Marion, Venango, Allegheny, Parker, Washington, Brady, Worth, Cherry, Clay, Concord and Fairview.Area Number 5 includes the following Beaver County townships: Greene, Potter, Raccoon, Center, Hanover, Independence, and Hopewell, along with all of Allegheny County.Committees apply their judgment and knowledge to make decisions on county commodity price-support loan eligibility, establishment of allotments and yields, conservation programs, disaster programs, employment and other farm program-related issues.Individuals may nominate themselves or others as a candidate. In addition, community-based and other organizations in the county or area where the election is being held may nominate eligible candidates before the close of the nomination period, especially groups representing socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.The nomination form (FSA-669A) is available at USDA Service Centers and online at: www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/publications/elections.Producers should keep in mind several important dates regarding the upcoming county committee elections.Producers can request, fill out and submit nomination forms up to Aug. 15. Ballots will be mailed to eligible voters by Nov. 4. The deadline to return ballots is Dec. 5. Elected committee members and alternates take office on Jan. 1, 2006.For more information, contact the Butler/Beaver/Allegheny FSA office at 625 Evans City Road, #103, Butler, PA 16001, or call 724-482-4800, Ext. 2 or 724-775-2369 Ext. 2.