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Wed, 29 Jul 2026

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 How cow showers and fans help farmers keep cattle cool

Dairy farmers are using cow showers and fans to protect cattle as hotter summers hit milk production.

* Dairy farmers in Wiltshire are spending thousands of pounds on systems to keep their cattle cool, including "cow showers" that douse cows with water and giant fans.
* The extreme heat has cut milk production by up to 20% and farmers are worried about the impact on their livelihoods.
* Experts say the prolonged dry weather is becoming a regular challenge for dairy farms, leaving grass scorched and cattle heat-stressed.
* Farmers are now relying on winter feed months earlier than planned, while others have invested in ventilation and sprinkler systems to help their animals cope with the heat.
* The Met Office says these hot summers will be more common, making it harder to grow grass and produce milk.