The Pacific Northwest is not setup to handle excessive heat. While many farmers and ranchers operate in high heat, their programs are built to do so. They choose genetics in their cattle to handle heat, they build their facilities to ensure their cattle are comfortable, and they have tools to ensure they’re able to provide the best possible care.

In Tillamook we operate with 67°F as our average high during our warm season, which is from about June 25 through October 1. While we do occasionally face a heat wave, it usually arrives with a robust east wind, which keeps the air flowing better through the barns. Unfortunately, we didn’t get wind, and it compounded the situation.

We went from low 70s to 104°F on Sunday and we’re back in the 70s today.

Last night ranked as probably a top three worst nights in my life. We dealt with cows facing extreme heat stress and we worked tirelessly to keep them cool. And although we did our best, there was simply nothing we could do to combat the heat.

Thankfully, the heat wave is gone and we made it through it. However, we lost a cow yesterday.

Yesterday will go down as one of the roughest days as a farmer.