AUGUSTA, ILL. -- Livestock shows are a normal attraction at most fairs in the Tri-States.

So what makes this year's livestock shows a little different?  Triple digit heat indices.

KHQA's Jarod Wells headed to the Hancock County fair to see how animals, and their owners, are staying cool.

There's about 190 head of cattle under one barn at the fair in Augusta, but you won't hear all that many moo's.

With all those cows, the owners, and mid to upper 90 degree temperatures, things can get pretty hot in that barn, but you won't hear any complaints from the cattle.

Beef Superintendent Christy Glick said, "Probably the biggest thing is there are a lot of fans running on the cattle. Some of the fans have a mister system on them so that it sprays water on them. "

Other owners spray water on them with bottles. And usually two times a day the cattle get to cool off with a nice bath.

Many livestock owners will also spray water on the tin roof of the barn to cool it down so not as much hot air is coming down on their cattle.

Glick said, "Also keep the cattle watered several times a day. Most of them will be watered 3-4 times a day."

The cattle are constantly monitored. Making sure they're still eating, drinking and not getting too stressed in the heat. And if there's ever any problems, a local vet is always around town and ready to help.

Visitors to the fair may also notice some of the cattle are laying on a different material.

Glick said, "A lot of people use bark, we think it's a little cooler than the straw."

So between the dozens of fans, misters, constant food and water, baths and plenty of attention and care from their owners, it looks like those cows have it pretty good.

Cheyenne Starman said, "We're busy keeping the cattle cool in the shacks and under the fans so we're sweating a lot too. So it's important that we go cool off in the camper, drink lots of water with as hot as it is and we carry a people fan so we put that on us while the cows are under the big fans."

Glick said, "It seems like we take better care of the cattle than we do ourselves a lot of times."

At night the cattle are tied up outside so they can get some fresh air.

There are also horses and sheep at the Hancock County Fair that get the same care.

---------------------------------

FFA members have been readying for the Hancock County Fair in Augusta, Ill. for months now, and now the big question is ... how do they prepare their animals for this extreme heat?

At the fair you can watch them exhibit their projects.  You'll see cattle, horses, sheep, swine and goats to name a few.

Like we've said before about cats and dogs, animals can't tell you when they're dehydrated or suffering from heat stroke ... it's up to these experts to provide ventilation, water and more.

All animals need extra care in these temperatures, so we're going to check in at the fair and get all the details.

Click here to see when the livestock events will take place.

Are you showing livestock in a local fair this summer?  Share your story below or on our Facebook page ... who knows, we might use your comments in our newscast!