We have been asked that question frequently during the 2010 heat wave here in Maryland. The cows are fine. While they do not like 104 degree temperatures and 80% humidity, they can tolerate it with good management. When the days are going to be hot, we milk start milking at 4 am and finish by 6 so the cows have time to graze before the morning sun starts to raise temperatures. At around 8:30, we bring them inside where they have shade and access to a sprinkler system. Six fans hang over the freestalls to help keep them cool while resting. Some cows have figured out which spots are the coolest and routinely scout them out. The cows will remain in the barnyard eating hay and their grain allotment until afternoon milking is finished. When the sun starts to set and the air cools down they return to a fresh pasture. They stay out in the pasture all night and graze and rest comfortably until they are brought into the barn at 3:30 the next morning. This routine makes for long days for the farmer but at least we finally turned on the A/C so she is doing fine too!
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