Changes made to Clark County Fair livestock hauling due to heat

Due to the predicted heat index for this weekend, changes have been made to the Clark County Fair Jr. Fair Livestock that is being hauled into, checked-in and weighed-in to the fair.

The Springfield region is heading into its first extreme heat wave of the year as the heat index approaches 105 degrees.

Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-90s on Thursday with an excessive heat watch going into effect Friday at noon through Saturday at 8 p.m. Heat index values in the region during this time are expected to be around 105 degrees.

MORE: Here is where Clark County residents can stay cool during the heat wave

In addition to changes, Dr. Dana King, veterinarian for the Clark County Fair, also has recommendations for transporting poultry, swine and rabbits to the fair during the heat wave.

King recommends all livestock exhibitors keep cool, fresh water available for their animals. Misting animals with water, hosing animals off with water and using fans (if allowed in the barn), is also recommended King said.

According to the Clark County Fair, changes are as follows;

Poultry:

Meat ducks and meat turkeys must be hauled into the the fairgrounds after 8 p.m. on Friday, July 19 and by 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 20.

Meat ducks and meat turkeys will be checked-in and weighed-in on Saturday, July 20 from 7 a.m. until 9 a.m. in the duck and turkey barn.

Transportation recommendations:

Mist birds with water to create a cooling effect from evaporation. Put frozen water bottles in the birds cages in transport to the fair to help cool the birds down. Haul all birds after dark through the early morning, which is the coolest time of the day.

Swine:

Junior Fair market hogs must be hauled into the fairgrounds after 8 p.m. on Friday, July 19 and by 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 20.

The mandatory barn meetings will still be held at noon and 1 p.m. for all swine exhibitors and parents in the swine arena.

Market hog weigh-in will start at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 20.

Transportation recommendations:

Hose swine down with water and wet bedding down in the trailer used for transport, both will help to keep pigs cooler. Haul pigs after dark through early morning, which is the coolest time of the day.

Rabbits:

There are no changes to rabbit haul, check-in and weight-in at this time.

Transportation recommendations:

Put ice bottles in the carries with rabbits. Keep ice bottles in rabbits pen at the fair.

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