June 21, 2025 – Westmoreland County, PA: As of this morning, the National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory for much of the region, with heat index values expected to reach up to 103°F in some parts of eastern Ohio. While we are not quite touching triple digits here, our temperatures in Westmoreland County are forecasted to hover in the mid 90s over the next few days.

That is hot, especially for a herd of Black Angus cattle.

At Deluisio Angus, we are monitoring our herd closely. Our cattle, naturally black hided, absorb more heat and are more susceptible to stress during long hot stretches. The younger calves tend to lie along the edge of the woods where filtered light and a breeze offer some relief, while the cows and bred heifers retreat deeper into the shade.

We have been careful not to push the herd too hard in these conditions. Rotations are paused, salt and mineral are checked twice daily, and clean water access is critical. We are fortunate to have woods that provide natural shelter, but not every small producer has that luxury and it is something we plan to account for more intentionally as we continue developing our pastures and grazing systems.

This pattern of wet springs followed by sudden, extended dry spells seems to have locked in over the past few years. By mid June, rains taper off and Western PA seems to shift abruptly into heat and humidity. We are asking ourselves whether this is the new normal. Oats planted in April look stunted already, and our fall pasture prep has been moved up on the calendar by at least two weeks to get ahead of a potential August drought.

We are adapting and observing, and if there is one thing farming teaches you, it is that resilience is built in the adjustments. The heat will not last forever, but as it sticks around, our cattle will remain shaded, hydrated, and well supported.

Written by Cody Deluisio, Deluisio Angus