Authorities say the combination of high temperatures and humidity in Nebraska has killed hundreds of cattle.
The deaths will hurt cattle producers who were already struggling with high feed costs and reduced demand for meat and animal hides because of the recession.
In southeastern Nebraska's Hamilton County, temperatures in the 90s and high humidity contributed to the deaths of roughly 600 cattle.
Veterinarian Dan Pachta says he's never seen this many heat deaths at once. He says having 10-15 dead cattle at a feedlot might be expected on a hot day, but he's seen 200 deaths at some feedlots.
And Pachta says the feedlots are working hard to keep the cattle cool by providing water and spraying cattle down with irrigation equipment.
