Preventing heat stress on the farm this summer

Summer on the farm brings long hours, high temperatures and plenty of hard work. It's a season that demands a lot from those who make our living outdoors.

I have had many days of waking up extra early to tackle fencing jobs while the morning air was still cool and the sun hadn't yet burned off the dew.

Those early starts weren’t just practical, they were a matter of comfort and safety.

By mid-afternoon, when the heat had settled in thick and heavy, I’d find a shady spot with a popsicle in hand, thankful the hardest work was behind me.

That kind of daily planning — working in the morning and resting during the hottest part of the day — might seem like a small adjustment, but it can make a big difference in preventing heat-related illness.

Farming doesn’t slow down just because the temperatures rise, but it's important to recognize when to shift gears to protect your health.

Heat illness isn’t just an off-chance risk. It’s something that can affect even the most experienced, toughest folks if the warning signs are missed or ignored.

The reality is that heat-related illness can sneak up quickly. It often starts with subtle signs: feeling unusually fatigued, lightheaded or nauseated.

If these symptoms are ignored, they can progress into more serious conditions like heat exhaustion or even heat stroke, which is a medical emergency.

Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer regulate its temperature, leading to confusion, rapid pulse and unconsciousness.

It is a situation no one wants to be in and one that can often be avoided with a little preparation and awareness.