Barn conditions amid scorching temperatures. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
JECHEON, July 10 (Korea Bizwire) — As South Korea grapples with intensifying summer heatwaves, livestock farmers are sounding the alarm over rising animal deaths and declining productivity, highlighting the toll of climate change on the agricultural sector.
In Jecheon City, North Chungcheong Province, farmer Won Jang-yeon looked on with concern as the digital thermometer in his cattle barn read 31°C (87.8°F) by mid-morning. Despite industrial fans and a repurposed disinfectant sprinkler dousing the air with mist, the 180 Korean cattle at his 3,300-square-meter Songhwa Farm panted heavily in the stifling heat.
“When people are exhausted, just imagine how these animals feel,” Won said. “A few days ago, the barn hit 37°C (98.6°F) even with fans running full blast.”
The heat isn’t just causing discomfort — it’s affecting livestock behavior and health. Cattle are eating less, which can lead to slower weight gain and reduced meat quality, directly impacting farmers’ incomes.
Temperatures soar to 30.8°C — and it’s only morning. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
Poultry farms are also under siege. In nearby Danyang County, egg farmer Choi Soon-cheol, who raises 13,000 laying hens, reported over 200 heat-related chicken deaths. Despite using fans and sprinklers, he says maintaining safe temperatures has become nearly impossible.
“Heat compromises their immune systems,” said Choi. “Feed intake drops, and I worry they won’t lay eggs properly.”
Livestock insurance offers little relief. “If only a few hundred animals die, the payouts barely cover the losses,” Choi noted.
The situation is more dire in broiler farms, where high animal density traps heat, making chickens even more vulnerable to mass deaths.
From June 30 to July 7 alone, 16 farms across Chungcheongbuk Province reported heat-related livestock deaths totaling over 13,000 animals — including 10,094 chickens, 3,028 ducks, and 115 pigs.
In response, the provincial government escalated its heat emergency alert to Level 3 on July 7, issuing a blanket heat advisory across the region.
Industry officials are urging reform. “The co-payment ratio for livestock disaster insurance must be adjusted to reflect the new climate reality,” said Heo Geun-haeng, a local livestock association official.
As heatwaves become more frequent and severe, farmers say the current system — and infrastructure — is no longer enough to protect the country’s food supply.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
