Small farms disproportionately impacted by extreme heat according to recent study

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Researchers say there's no silver bullet for mitigating the effects of heat stress on herds.

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by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Illinois News Connection

CHICAGO - A new study shows how extreme weather conditions negatively affect production yields on Midwest dairy farms, with a disproportionate impact on smaller farms.

Researchers at the University of Illinois studied milk production records from nine Midwest dairy farmers. Considering both temperature and humidity when measuring extreme heat, they found farms lose about 1% of milk yield annually because of heat stress, while smaller farms lose closer to 2%.

Marin Skidmore, study co-author, said when cows are in extreme heat, it can cause increased restlessness and risk of infection, and decreased appetite, which reduces milk yield and impacts bottom lines.

"To some extent, it's only 1.6%. But if you're really making every dollar from your paycheck count, because you're living in a time with high costs, then 1.6% of your paycheck being gone in a given year is meaningful," she said.

The study predicts extreme heat days to be much more frequent in years to come and milk yield losses to increase about 30% in the next 25 years.

The Midwest tends to have smaller dairy farms compared with other states, with herds ranging from 100 to 200 cows. Researchers say being able to track and compare daily milk yields across a large region with similar climates has never been done before. Skidmore said their findings suggest that larger herds seem to have some level of protection to extreme heat compared with smaller farms, which start to see impacts of heat stress at lower thresholds.

"And this is additionally concerning in the context that we're studying because we've seen a lot of dairy farm exits over the last decade or two, and many of those are small farms," she added.

While researchers say there's no silver bullet for mitigating the effects of heat stress on herds, recommendations include adjusting feeding and calving timing, and using sprinklers and improved ventilation systems.

Skidmore emphasized the need for additional support for small farms since capital costs can be particularly constraining.

"Having the access to enough capital to make these really big investments is difficult, and grants or loans to help small farms adopt some of these management technologies could be one avenue to help small farms cope with heat stress and keep them competitive," she continued.

Skidmore said more research is also needed to explore other options to best manage extreme heat on dairy farms.

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Commentary |I stopped sleeping because of climate change

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I used to love rain and snowfall as a child, but now, whenever it rains, I fear landslides and unexpected destruction.

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by Naman Joshi
     

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India boasts a diverse and picturesque landscape. Uttarakhand, a state nestled within the Himalayan mountain range, is renowned for its rugged terrain and scenic beauty. The World Bank’s report, titled “Assessing Biophysical and Social Vulnerability to Natural Hazards in Uttarakhand State,” acknowledged that Uttarakhand is particularly vulnerable to floods and landslides due to its biophysical risks. These risks are exacerbated by social vulnerabilities, including poverty, inadequate access to healthcare and financial services, and marginalized populations.

I live in a small district of Uttarakhand called Champawat, known for its cultural heritage and breathtaking natural views. Many families in our area have never used fans in their entire lives because the cold climate made them unnecessary. Nainital, a district 208 kilometers away, had the highest rate of tree cover loss from 2001 to 2023, according to data from Global Forest Watch. This loss was primarily due to fires, with an average of 12 hectares lost per year.

During one incident, my parents visited our village, where more than 12 members of my family experienced a natural disaster in the form of a massive landslide. Our ancestral home was damaged in the disaster. At the time, I was in Delhi, India’s capital. My parents called me once to inform me about the heavy rain, but suddenly, their connection was lost. Due to the perilous and anxiety-inducing night and the lost connection, I was unable to get any updates about their safety or that of my other family members.

Many young people around me—both girls and boys—no longer want to marry because of climate change. They suffer from climate anxiety, a relatively new term that many still don’t understand. They fear the kind of life they could provide for their future children. Meanwhile, those with resources are buying air conditioners, worsening the situation in these hilly areas.

People in my district are surprised by the recent heatwaves. They aren’t geography experts, and there are no heavy industries nearby. They see greenery all around but don’t realize that climate connects everything—villages to districts, districts to states, states to nations, and nations to the global level.

I used to love rain and snowfall as a child, but now, whenever it rains, I fear landslides and unexpected destruction. These days, rainfall can occur in any month and in unpredictable quantities. Climate anxiety is a serious issue that must be addressed.

Recently, former President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, but climate issues can only be tackled through cooperation and collaborative action. I lived in Delhi for almost eight years—one of India’s most polluted cities. While the government has introduced policies to reduce pollution, I’ve seen little real impact. Many still dismiss climate anxiety as a joke and believe climate change is a temporary phenomenon. Some remain unaware of heatwaves, mistakenly blaming the sun alone for rising temperatures.

If we truly want to sleep peacefully, we must act at the grassroots level. Today, I am a victim of this crisis, and unfortunately, no one can predict who will be next.

The fashion industry must adopt recycling in garment production, and social media influencers should raise awareness about climate change and climate anxiety. We must change our daily habits—ditching plastic straws and disposable cups in favor of sustainable alternatives without ignoring their environmental cost.

I dream of a future where everyone can sleep peacefully, without needing air conditioners or living in fear. I long for the days when I could enjoy rain and snow with my family, free from the dread of sudden climate-induced changes. I wish my financially struggling villagers could ease their anxiety about not being able to afford fans for their children, who now suffer from sleep disturbances due to rising temperatures. Their well-being weighs heavily on my mind.

About the author ~

Naman Joshi hails from Uttarakhand, India, and is a Doctor of Philosophy at Kumaun Univeristy Nainital.

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Commentary |When climate disasters hit, who should flip the bill?

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Some states are landing on a straightforward answer: fossil fuel companies.

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Photo: PEXELS

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by Sonali Kolhatkar

     OtherWords

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Rebuilding from California’s recent wildfires will cost more than a quarter of a trillion dollars — an unprecedented amount. The estimated damage from Hurricane Helene in the Southeast is almost as much, on the order of $250 billion.

Who will pay for that damage? It’s a question plaguing localities around the country as climate change makes these disasters increasingly common.

Some states are landing on a straightforward answer: fossil fuel companies.

The idea is inspired by the “superfunds” used to clean up industrial accidents and toxic waste. The Superfund program goes back to 1980, when Congress passed the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The law fined polluters to finance the clean up of toxic spills.

Thanks to the hard work of groups such as the Vermont Public Interest Research Group and Vermont Natural Resources Council, Vermont recently became the first state to establish a climate superfund in May 2024.

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It’s an idea whose time has come, especially now that states are less able to rely on the federal government.

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Months later, New York followed suit, again in response to pressure from environmental groups. Both bills require oil and gas companies to pay billions into a fund designated for climate-related cleanup and rebuilding.

Now California is considering a similar law in the wake of its disastrous wildfires. Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Jersey may take up the idea as well.

It’s an idea whose time has come, especially now that states are less able to rely on the federal government. The Trump administration is disabling government agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with major cuts and putting conditions on other aid.

At the recent Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) conference, Trump aide Ric Grenell unabashedly endorsed “squeezing” California’s federal funds unless they “get rid of the California Coastal Commission.” (Trump apparently hates the commission, the Fresno Bee explains, because it prevents “wealthy people from turning public beaches into private enclaves.”)

Fossil fuel companies — the lead perpetrators of climate disasters — spent more than $450 million to elect their favored candidates, including Trump. In return, Trump has promised to speed up oil and gas permits and stacked his cabinet with oil-friendly executives.

Why should taxpayers have to foot the bill to clean up the destruction wrought by this industry, one of the most profitable the world has ever known? As a spokesperson for New York Governor Kathy Hochul said, “corporate polluters should pay for the wreckage caused by the climate crisis — not every day New Yorkers.”

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To be fair, a climate superfund is a “downstream” solution to the climate crisis.

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Not surprisingly, 22 Republican-led states disagree. They’ve sued to block New York’s law and protect oil and gas profits at the expense of ordinary people. They have no answer for the question of who pays for recovery from climate disasters or helps people reeling from one disaster after another.

Fossil fuel companies can think of paying into a climate superfund as the cost of doing business. If they’re in the business of extracting and selling a fuel that destroys the planet, it’s only fair they pay to clean up the damage.

And the public agrees. Data For Progress found more than 80 percent of voters support holding fossil fuel companies responsible for the impact of carbon emissions.

To be fair, a climate superfund is a “downstream” solution to the climate crisis, one that seeks to raise the costs to perpetrators. A climate superfund can pay to rebuild homes, but it cannot replace priceless family heirlooms or undo the trauma of surviving a disaster. Most of all, it cannot bring back lives lost. It is only one tool in a multi-pronged tool box to end the climate crisis.

Upstream solutions centering the prevention of climate change — that is, reducing carbon emissions at their source — must be at the center of our fight if humanity is to survive. But in the meantime, fossil fuel polluters should pay.

About the author:
Sonali Kolhatkar is the host of “Rising Up With Sonali,” a television and radio show on Free Speech TV and Pacifica stations. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.

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In addition to economic inflation, climate change is having a direct affect on food prices

by Terri Dee
Illinois News Connection

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One example: The price of oranges and the price of orange juice have both steadily increased in recent years due to declining production in Florida caused by large hurricanes.

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CHICAGO - Consumers are unhappy with increasing food prices and blame inflation. In reality, natural disasters have a direct link to grocery costs, with no end in sight.

Climate change affects Illinois farms, especially drought. The weather extremes lower their livestock's productivity, raising the price of dairy and meat products.

Michael Stromberg, spokesperson for Trace One, a food and beverage regulatory compliance company, said the effects of floods, hurricanes, drought and extreme heat have a nationwide and global impact.

Photo: Hans/Pixabay

"The price of oranges and the price of orange juice have both steadily increased in recent years due to declining production in Florida caused by large hurricanes," Stromberg outlined. "Grain prices are through the roof in critical agriculture regions like the Midwest. It starts with drought. It affects a huge portion of agriculture in that region that has an aftereffect at the grocery store in terms of your grocery prices."

Illinois ranked 10th in the Trace One study of all 50 states where natural disasters have the biggest impact on the nation's food supply. Losses were mostly due to drought in Henry, Sangamon, Lee, Logan, Bureau and Mason counties.

Stromberg argued innovation is needed to solve these dilemmas. One solution is to develop and distribute climate-resilient crops capable of withstanding extreme droughts and floods. Other strategies are to implement effective water resource management systems and invest in flood control measures alongside restoring natural buffers. Wetlands and watersheds will act as sponges to help mitigate the dangers of excessive rainfall. He added more answers can take on a scientific tone.

"Farmers can use newer precision agriculture technologies like IOT sensors, drones, advanced analytics that can allow farmers to better monitor weather patterns, things like soil health and their water usage, which can optimize resources better," Stromberg explained.

He urged the public to vote for policies prioritizing renewable energy, water conservation and sustainable agriculture to drive "incremental improvement," and for the public to reduce their food waste. Another Trace One study found Illinoisans lost slightly more than $1,900 per household, or $766 per person from food waste last year.

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Farm group wants improved safety measures for pipelines running through Illinois

by Terri Dee
Illinois News Connection

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A pipeline project to transport carbon dioxide captured from ethanol and fertilizer production to a permanent storage site in Illinois is raising concerns about safety and potential damage to surrounding land.

Last month, members of the Illinois Farm Bureau adopted policies supporting a temporary moratorium on the project until the Hazardous Materials Safety Administration can update its safety regulations. They include automatic notifications for pipeline leaks and training for emergency first responders.

Bill Bodine, the Farm Bureau's director of business and regulatory affairs, said his group opposes another condition.

"They expressed concerns about the use of eminent domain for these projects and do not support the use of eminent domain," he said, "and then want to see the developers reaching willing agreements, making some progress in reaching those willing agreements before the pipeline portions of those projects are approved."

Landowners are not willing to give up their land so easily. In 2006, the Illinois General Assembly passed a bill to limit the takeover of private property for private development. However, critics of the legislation have claimed it included exceptions that undermine any benefits to property owners.

Two more pipeline proposals to connect Iowa and Illinois are also being reviewed by the Illinois Commerce Commission, the agency that oversees these projects.

The Hazardous Materials Safety Administration hopes to have its safety revisions completed this year. If this happens, Bodine said, the Farm Bureau would lift its support of a temporary moratorium. But he isn't sure whether these other pipeline projects are on state lawmakers' minds.

"Our legislative session in the state of Illinois begins again in January and usually runs through the end of May," he said. "So, we may see some action during that timeline associated with some of these issues."

Developers say any future pipelines would help farmers by boosting the ethanol industry. The state Agriculture Department has said Illinois uses 274 million bushels of corn to produce more ethanol than any other state.

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Comfortly scared; climate change takes fall chill out of air for Halloween trick-or-treaters

by Mark Richardson
Illinois News Connection

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Parents should keep a close eye on the Halloween weather forecast and dress kids appropriately if they're going trick-or-treating.

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As Halloween approaches, cooler temperatures will spread over Illinois. But weather experts say climate change is making October nights across the Midwest warmer, more often than not.

According to a new analysis from the nonprofit Climate Central, fall evening temperatures in the United States have warmed by nearly two degrees on average since 1970. It's even higher in cities such as Chicago and Peoria, which have seen increases of more than three degrees when comparing minimum temps.

Climate Central meteorologist Lauren Casey said it doesn't just affect traditional fall activities.

Photo: Charles Parker/PEXELS

"The extension of the allergy season can be a nuisance for some people who are sneezing and sniffling," she said, "but much more burdensome for people with other, more serious respiratory issues, like asthma."

Casey said parents should keep a close eye on the Halloween weather forecast and dress kids appropriately if they're going trick-or-treating. She also pointed out that mosquito season is being extended, too. To help mitigate these trends in the longer term, Casey said, Illinois residents should do what they can to avoid energy sources from fossil fuels.

Casey said adapting to these changes is another important step so that folks aren't caught off guard when the calendar flips to November.

"You can best prepare if you do have asthma, if you are potentially susceptible to mosquito-borne illnesses," she said, "all these things which can impact our everyday lives."

For prolonged allergy seasons, health experts have said vulnerable people should put some time and research into establishing a medication regimen that works for them. Meanwhile, Casey said the warmer weather results in heavier rain events, which attract more mosquitoes. She suggested being more mindful of areas of standing water as the fall drags on.

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Guest Commentary | Life is always changing

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

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No doubt life is always changing. If you don’t like the weather it will change, eventually. It’s been hot most all over but cooler weather will come. In most of the country, cooler weather will be welcomed sooner rather than later.

An Arizona friend told me last week, “One hundred degrees is actually nice in our area. One hundred and twenty degrees is unbearable.” Across our country, Europe and Asia record temperatures have been recorded and for the longest periods of time.

When it’s icy cold weather we hope and wish for warm weather. The problem in many of our areas is that we don’t have much moderately cool weather or moderately warm. It seems to either be blazing hot or freezing cold.

It’s hard to be satisfied. We get too hot and then we get too cold. Triple digit heat is insane and so is below zero. No one wants either one.

Have you ever been satisfied with your Ife? When were you satisfied? Were you happy when your parent was telling you what to do and how to live? Do you still have them telling you what to do? The day comes when they are no longer around. Most likely you didn’t take as much advice from them as you should have.

We don’t pay much attention to old people when we are young but we wish we had. They knew more than us but we thought we knew everything. We now know how smart they were. We learn the hard way and by the time we figure it out life has greatly changed.

Life is always changing. Children grow into adults. Our bodies change. We get old if we are very fortunate and blessed.

If possible, try to be happy and content today with what you have, where you are and what you are doing. Life changes and while it may get better and better, it can always become worse.

Enjoy the sunshine and enjoy the rain. Enjoy the car ride or sitting in your swing. Enjoy whatever labor you have to do. The time is coming when all will be through. Live your life the best you can and there will be times you don’t understand. So, make your schedule, make your plans and always do the best you can. After all is said and done, it’s all in God’s hands.

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He is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

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