Heat in Barton, Kansas

The oppressive heat and humidity killed an estimated 500 to 600 cattle in feedlots across Barton County. A Great Bend facility alone lost over 400 cattle. Monetary loss estimates include cattle deaths along with the 40 to 70 pounds of average weight loss most heads of cattle incurred.

The combination of hot daytime temperatures, unseasonably high humidity levels and sultry nighttime temperatures resulted in an oppressive heat wave across the region from the 16th through the 24th. Afternoon heat index values ranged from 105-112 degrees each day. The combination of the heat, humidity and relatively warm nighttime temperatures killed over 2600 cattle in up to 10 feedlots throughout Central and Southwest Kansas, mainly from the 15th through the 18th. A Great Bend facility alone lost over 400 cattle. Taking into account cattle deaths and weight loss of remaining cattle, monetary losses from central to southwest Kansas were likely around $7 million, with roughly $3.5 million of those losses occurring across central Kansas, including portions of Barton, Rice, Reno, Ellsworth and Saline counties. Unfortunately, cattle numbers for specific feedlots are unknown. The following newspapers contributed to this report: Great Bend Tribune, Salina Journal, Hutchinson News, Chanute Tribune, Coffeyville Journal and the Winfield Daily Courier.