Madera, Tulare heat losses estimated at $210 million

Agricultural losses from last month's heat wave in Madera and Tulare counties are expected to total at least $210 million, the bulk based on estimated declines in milk production that could last another 17 months.

Milk production losses in Madera County accounted for $22.2 million of $24.3 million in total dairy losses. The difference in those two figures includes milk cows and calves lost to the heat.

In Tulare County, Agricultural Commissioner Gary Kunkel said slightly fewer than 5,000 dairy cows, valued at a total of $10 million, died because of the two-week heat spike.

It was estimated that milk production in Tulare County was down 25 percent and declines will continue at lower percentages into next year.