Barbados Farmers Protect Livestock as Extreme Heat Strains Animals and Dairy Production

Summary

Updated Oct 3, 2026

Livestock and poultry farmers are using advice from agricultural groups to reduce heat stress, heat stroke and losses.CBC Barbados +1
Dairy farmers say heat and dry pasture are reducing cows’ milk-making energy, but current milk supplies remain stable.Barbados Today
Henderson Williams said conditions are less severe than previous years, but better weather is still needed later in the year.CBC Barbados
Caribbean governments are preparing for a strengthening El Niño expected to intensify hot, dry conditions.CBC Barbados

Automatically summarised from the coverage below.

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Coverage

Oct 2, 2026

Dairy cows wilting under unprecedented heat, farmers warn

Dairy cows are losing milk-making energy to heat stress as temperatures top 90°F and prolonged dry weather dries up pasture, the Dairy and Beef Producers Association says. President McDonald Stevenson said current supplies remain stable, but farmers must improve housing, cooling, breeding and forage storage to protect the industry from worsening climate impacts.

Oct 1, 2026

Livestock farmers take measures to protect animals from extreme heat

Barbados livestock farmers are taking steps to protect animals from extreme heat, with the Barbados Agricultural Society and Pig Farmers’ Association educating them on ways to reduce losses and prevent heat stroke. Henderson Williams says the situation is less severe than in previous years, but better weather is still needed later in the year.

Oct 1, 2026

Recommendations to reduce heat impact on chickens

Barbados Egg and Poultry Producers Association president Stephen Layne is advising livestock farmers on ways to protect chickens from heat stress as temperatures rise. His guidance is aimed at helping farmers reduce losses and keep birds healthy during hot weather.

Sep 29, 2026

Government preparing for potential impact of Super El Niño

Barbados and other Caribbean governments are preparing for severe impacts from a strengthening El Niño, which is expected to intensify the region’s hot, dry conditions. Meteorologists warn it could strain agriculture, water supplies and tourism, with already high global temperatures raising the risk of 2027 becoming the hottest year on record.