Drought in the U.S. Caribbean: Impacts on Livestock
Dates
Publication Date
2019-08-01
Summary
The production of dairy and beef is important for food security and the economies of the U.S. Caribbean. The dairy industry is the leading agricultural sector in Puerto Rico, contributing about 22% of the total agricultural income. Region-wide, beef and dairy production generate over 25,000 jobs and occupy more than 50,000 acres. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, cattle production has been declining in recent years due to higher insurance costs and natural disasters, while sheep and goat production has increased. Caribbean countries are particularly vulnerable to climate change due to their geography and economic capacity. Climate change is driving temperatures higher and the region is experiencing more frequent and intense drought conditions. [...]
Summary
The production of dairy and beef is important for food security and the economies of the U.S. Caribbean. The dairy industry is the leading agricultural sector in Puerto Rico, contributing about 22% of the total agricultural income. Region-wide, beef and dairy production generate over 25,000 jobs and occupy more than 50,000 acres. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, cattle production has been declining in recent years due to higher insurance costs and natural disasters, while sheep and goat production has increased. Caribbean countries are particularly vulnerable to climate change due to their geography and economic capacity. Climate change is driving temperatures higher and the region is experiencing more frequent and intense drought conditions. This affects livestock by decreasing water and feed availability, increasing susceptibility to worms and ticks, provoking heat stress, and reducing milk production.
