As state fair season heats up, literally, exhibitors are facing a familiar but critical challenge: keeping their livestock cool and comfortable. With long days, packed barns, and relentless summer temperatures, it’s more important than ever to pay attention to signs of heat stress. Caroline Davis, New Product Manager at Sullivan Supply, is here with expert advice and trusted products to help you and your animals keep cool under pressure.
Heat Stress: More Than Just Discomfort
Heat stress doesn’t just make your animal sweaty and sluggish. It can significantly reduce feed intake and metabolism, making it harder to reach your ideal endpoint by show day. Factors like high temps, humidity, dehydration, poor air circulation, and long trailer rides all pile on the stress. The good news? You can fight back with a few proactive measures and smart product choices.
Hydration: The Foundation of Heat Management
Just like people, livestock need to stay hydrated to function properly in the heat. One of the most overlooked tools in an exhibitor’s summer prep is daily electrolyte use. According to Caroline, consistency is key:
“The number one mistake I see is waiting until show day to start electrolytes. If you want your calf hydrated on the road and in the ring, you have to start at home.”
Sullivan Supply offers a variety of electrolyte options to fit your routine:
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Restore Pro: A powdered top-dress that can be easily mixed into daily feed
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Replenish: A fast-acting paste perfect for use during travel or after long show days
Electrolytes work by encouraging water intake and helping the body regulate internal temperature, an essential combo in the summer heat.
Circulate and Ventilate
Barn airflow isn’t always ideal, especially in older facilities or overcrowded aisles. That’s where strategic fan placement makes all the difference. Caroline recommends:
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Turbo Fans on upright stands at the back of cattle stalls
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Vortex Fans for small animals, placed in the rear corner of pens
And don’t forget fan etiquette, hang yours in the same direction as your aisle neighbors to keep air moving rather than competing.
Rinse, Dry, Repeat
Want to make a noticeable difference in your animal’s comfort? Schedule multiple rinse sessions throughout the day.
“A 15–20 minute cold rinse helps reduce internal body temperature, but be sure to blow them completely dry afterward,” says Caroline.
Leftover water can trap heat instead of releasing it, so drying thoroughly is non-negotiable. Short on time? Fogging your calf with alcohol is a quick fix. As the alcohol evaporates, it draws heat from the skin, acting as an instant cooling mechanism.
Choose Products Wisely
Not all grooming products are summer-friendly. Oil-based formulas may look sharp in the ring, but they can clog pores and trap heat—doing more harm than good in high temps. Caroline recommends avoiding oil-based products when temperatures climb above 70°F, and instead sticking with light, breathable formulas that won’t weigh your animal down, Revive light is recommended for hair care during the warmer months.
Bottom Line: With a little planning and the right gear from Sullivan Supply, you can beat the heat and keep your animals feeling their best all summer long. Whether you’re gearing up for the local county fair or the biggest state fair, hydration, airflow, and smart cooling practices are your ticket to a happier, healthier animal, and a better shot at the banner.
Stay cool. Stay competitive. Stay ready with Sullivan Supply.
