What U.S. cattle producers can learn from Brazilian ranchers response to extreme weather

Farmers and ranchers around the world are increasingly forced to adapt to changing weather patterns. And while a lot of agricultural research has focused on mitigation strategies for crop production, livestock producers face a unique set of challenges that have not yet received the same level of academic inquiry. One professor at the University of Illinois is working to change that.A new study from the University of Illinois examined how cattle ranchers in Brazil are responding to climate change in the Amazon. Previous research shows the dry season is increasing up to 0.6 days per year, putting more stress on animals. That is pushing ranchers to sell their cattle early, according to Marin Skidmore, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics at U of I. Her paper was recently published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics, and in this episode we talk with Dr. Skidmore about her findings, and the implications for U.S. cattle producers dealing with extended drought here at home.You can read more of our coverage of the impacts of climate change on the livestock industry in the pages of Feedstuffs. You can find our latest issue and past editions by visiting Feedstuffs.com and clicking on “Digital Editions.”This episode is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting their website UnitedANH.com.