The LSU AgCenter operates 25 weather stations at research stations and other cooperating locations throughout Louisiana. The Louisiana Agriclimatic Information System privides temperature and humidity data that researchers can correlate to livestock and crop production. Each station provides minute-by-minute measurements of air temperature, rainfall, wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity, solar radiation and soil temperature.

One of the most difficult feeding challenges faced by dairy farmers is the dropoff in feed intake and milk production during the summer. To minimize these losses, rations must be specially formulated for hot weather.

Cattle in all beef herds are subjected to some of the common diseases. Vaccines are available that can induce some degree of protection against several of the major diseases of cattle.

Herd outbreaks of acute respiratory disease in cattle may occur. Causes include ingestion of perilla mint, mold damaged sweet potatoes, sudden intake of immature summer forages high in the amino acid tryptophan.