Livestock heat-stress index to guide pre-emptive farm inspections ahead of summer

The government is moving to get ahead of the summer heat season by deploying a livestock-specific heat-stress measure known as the Temperature-Humidity Index, or THI, to protect farm animals from extreme temperatures.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said Tuesday it will work with the National Institute of Animal Science under the Rural Development Administration, local governments, agricultural cooperatives and producer organizations to promote THI-based livestock management guidelines by species and conduct on-site inspections of vulnerable farms.

The THI quantifies heat stress on livestock by factoring in both temperature and relative humidity. The National Institute of Animal Science provides the index in 30-meter-by-30-meter grid units.

Farmers can receive daily index readings and management tips via mobile notification alerts. The index is also available through the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation's "NH Today's Farming" platform and the Korea Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation.

Once conditions reach the danger level, the ministry plans to deploy joint inspection teams drawn from livestock-related agencies, using species- and region-specific index data to focus checks on vulnerable farms — including whether they are maintaining appropriate stocking densities.

The ministry will also supply emergency materials such as heat-stress relief agents and water supply equipment, and will coordinate with agricultural cooperatives and producer organizations to prevent heat damage.

During emergency-level conditions, the ministry will track damage on a daily basis and continuously share management guidelines and best practices.

Over the medium to long term, the ministry plans to expand support for temperature-reduction equipment such as ventilation and cooling systems, increase assistance for laying-hen farms to rebuild or renovate livestock facilities, and broaden the rollout of ICT-based smart farm technology.

"Advance forecasting and prevention are paramount to minimizing heat damage," said Lee Jae-sik, the ministry's livestock policy director. "We urge farmers to make active use of the THI and pay close attention in advance to ventilation, water supply and stocking density management."