How Dairy Farmers Help Cows Through Smoky Days
There are some things farmers can control, but oh so many they cannot. Weather is a big one. And recently, in much of the Midwest and Northeast, heavy wildfire smoke and poor air quality have become a challenge.
Officials have issued air quality alerts and advisories across these regions at various times over the last couple of summers. While people and pets can stay indoors, it's not exactly easy to shelter 1,200-pound cows from the elements.
Organic Valley farmers do everything they can to care for the cows that care for us. After all, they're the ones producing the nourishing organic milk we enjoy. So, what do farmers do during smoky, hazy days, and does wildfire smoke affect a cow?
The Impact of Wildfire Smoke on Cows
Research on wildfire smoke and dairy cows is still emerging. Cows may be affected by poor air quality and studies suggest that smoke exposure may affect milk production. One study found that milk yield declined as smoke increased. While farmer Kevin Mahalko hasn't seen a drop in his cows' milk production, he's seen how dramatic wildfire smoke can be on his organic dairy farm in north central Wisconsin.
The recent smoke from Canadian and U.S. wildfires is the worst he's experienced. One day, he couldn't see the cows even though they were only a quarter of a mile away.
"This one is really extreme," he said of the smoke's impact from fires that are burning hundreds of miles from his farm.
Wildfire smoke creates a haze over Kevin Mahalko's organic dairy farm in Wisconsin.
How Farmers Reduce the Impact
To reduce potential health impacts, Kevin has adjusted both his schedule and the cows'. At the height of the haze, he brought the cows into a barn equipped with multiple fans and a ventilation system.
He's “definitely keeping a close watch on them" and has adjusted milking times to lessen the impact of the smoke.
With an average herd size of 70 dairy cows, the farm families in our cooperative are able to give the animals quality care.
Organic Valley believes cows belong outdoors, and the National Organic Program requires that dairy cows have daily access to pasture during the grazing season. However, organic regulations allow farmers to keep cows indoors during severe weather events.
A farmer cuts hay at the Kline’s organic farm in Ohio.
Wildfire Smoke Affects the Entire Farm
Smoke doesn't just affect animals; it can also affect the feed farmers need to put up for winter. After hay is cut, farmers want it to dry quickly before baling. Faster drying generally means better quality and nutrient retention. But a smoky haze that blocks sunlight can slow that process, making it harder.
Farmers have to figure out ways to stay protected, too. While he can't always stay inside, Kevin says he's trying to do his outdoor chores faster so he can get inside where he can stay out of the elements and catch up on the many records and details necessary to be an organic farmer. He is also using a tractor with a cab that has an air filtration system to limit smoke exposure.
Because staying inside all day isn't an option, Wisconsin farmer John Bigham also continues working through the haze and says, "Farming doesn't stop for smoke!"
Caring for Cows and the Planet
All this smoke is a reminder of how closely farming depends on a healthy ecosystem. While a farmer can't stop wildfires or change the weather, Organic Valley is doing what it can to keep the air clean while producing quality food.
Our farmers use soil health improvements, tree plantings, and other environmental practices that remove greenhouse gas emissions. We created the Carbon Insetting Program, which pays farmers for each ton of carbon kept out of the air.
And our farms average 24% lower greenhouse gas emissions than the typical U.S. dairy farm, thanks to smaller herds, rotational grazing, and fewer pesticides and synthetic fertilizer. We take extra care in protecting where your food comes from, and pasture is good for the planet.
"We need to work on climate change as much as we can," Kevin said. "We can't stop a lightning strike or nature or an act of God — whatever you may call it. But we need to be more responsible."
Even in the haze, the cows remained curious, moving toward Kevin as he filmed them navigating the pasture:
