How Climate Change is Endangering the Global Milk Supply – Even on Cooled Dairy Farms

As climate change heats up the planet, dairy cows are feeling the pressure. A recent study published in Science Advances highlights the serious impact of extreme heat on milk production. Researchers analyzed data from over 130,000 dairy cows collected over 12 years, revealing that when temperatures with humidity exceed 78°F, milk production can drop by up to 10%. Even with advanced cooling systems, it takes cows more than ten days to bounce back after a heatwave.

Eyal Frank, one of the study’s authors and a professor at the Harris School of Public Policy, explains, “Our findings show that heat stress has lasting effects on milk supply. Even high-tech farms are struggling.” This suggests a growing concern for farmers worldwide.

To understand how prepared dairy farmers are, the study also surveyed more than 30 farms about their cooling systems, such as fans and misters. While most had adopted some technology, these methods only managed to recover about half of the milk losses due to heat stress. As temperatures rise, even these cooling techniques may become less effective.

Ayal Kimhi, another co-author and an associate professor at Hebrew University, notes that while farmers attempt various adaptations, these solutions can be costly. Farmers need to balance the effectiveness of cooling systems against their expenses.

The broader implications are significant: by 2050, global milk production could decline substantially. Major milk producers like the U.S. and China might face a daily loss of 1.2% to 2.7% per cow, even with cooling systems in place.

Experts agree that simply relying on cooling technology won’t be enough. Solutions must extend beyond just keeping cows cool. Claire Palandri, who led the research, emphasizes the importance of considering cow welfare and reducing stressors like confinement and calf separation, both of which can increase vulnerability to heat.

In a world where climate change continues to evolve, dairy farmers will need to rethink their strategies. It’s not just about maintaining milk production; it’s about a holistic approach that ensures the well-being of the animals in a warming climate.

For more insights on how climate change affects agriculture, check out this EPA report on environmental impacts.

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agriculture,animals,climate change