As the arctic blast continues this week, local dairy farmers are taking extra precautions to take care of their livestock.  Extreme cold temperatures and wind chills in Door and Kewaunee County have led the agricultural community to monitor their dairy herd more often to keep production consistent.  In Brussels, Jim Wautier of Church Site Farm says providing an excellent dry shelter from the wind and ample feed for the livestock is crucial.

Animals’ water consumption increases because of elevated metabolic rates necessary to maintain warmth.  Wautier says Church Site Farm uses shredded, large bales of straw and corn stalk for bedding to keep livestock more comfortable in colder temperatures.  He adds that the current price of milk has been holding steady, and dairy farmers should be alright as long as the prices don’t suddenly drop significantly.