Cows don’t cool down as efficiently as humans. In fact, dairy cows perspire at only 10 per cent of the human rate, meaning they rely on other methods to regulate their body temperature. One of the quirkiest behaviours you might notice during summer is their tongues hanging out. Cattle dissipate heat primarily through breathing, and this "tonguing" increases the volume of air passing through their airways, helping them exchange heat with the environment.

In the Kiama region, where dairy farming is the backbone of our agricultural industry, our 21 local dairy farmers are already contending with summer days exceeding 40 degrees. Over the past two decades, the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions have experienced rising temperatures, with records showing significant warming. Projections indicate that this trend will continue, with temperatures expected to increase by up to 2°C by 2050 under high-emission scenarios.

This trend poses significant challenges for Kiama’s farmers, as heat stress can adversely affect milk production and animal welfare. However, scientists are offering a solution: identifying cows with genes that provide heat tolerance. These heat-resilient cows can maintain their milk production and health despite rising temperatures. By focusing breeding programs on these resilient animals, farmers can develop herds better suited to the warming climate, safeguarding the long-term sustainability of Kiama's dairy industry.

To complement their natural adaptations, researchers are now pinpointing genetic markers in cows that indicate heat tolerance. These markers are linked to traits like thinner coats, better sweating ability, and overall resilience in hot conditions. By leveraging this science, farmers can selectively breed cows that are naturally better adapted to handle extreme heat.

For Kiama’s farmers, embracing these advancements could make all the difference. By reducing the need for costly cooling systems and improving animal welfare, they can continue producing high-quality milk despite the rising temperatures. Combined with traditional measures like providing shade and water sprays, these efforts ensure our dairy industry remains robust in the face of climate change.

Hot summers aren’t going away, but neither are Kiama’s dairy farmers. With a mix of tradition, hard work, and cutting edge science, our region’s agricultural backbone is rising to meet the challenges of a warming world.