PIERCE, Neb. -- As the heat wave continues across Nebraska, Pierce County Fair livestock shows are doing what they can to prevent animals from heat exhaustion.

Kim Huwaldt, beef superintendent in Pierce County, grew up showing livestock at the fair and ensuring animals and people stay cool while outside the whole day.

“We try to keep everybody in the shade as much as possible," Huwaldt said. "Our fair board the last couple years has gotten us some really cool sun shades for us out front so we can keep everyone out of the sun as much as possible.”

Huwaldt said animals will begin to pant or foam at the mouth if they suffer from heat exhaustion.

Huwaldt said in addition to the sun shades, the fair installed fans in the show arena this year to help cool off those watching and the animals.

According to Huwaldt, the children who show livestock are just as important to keep hydrated and cool during the day as the animals.

“We showed market beef, breeding, and everything all in one day today, so keeping everybody hydrated," Huwaldt said. "We’re lucky our local banks have provided free water for everybody this week so it’s been really helpful.”

Elleigh shows goats, rabbits, and ducks and has experience in how to cool her animals down during the hot days of the fair.

“For goats, we would usually put ProCool blankets that keeps them cool in the inside, and then give them a lot of water, just to keep them hydrated," Elleigh said.

Wyatt has participated in shows for over 8 years and has a few ways to protect the cattle from the heat.

“We have a mister that we aim at the fans and the fans blow the moisture on the cattle and the cattle stays cool that way," Wyatt said. "Or we just rinse them and that will keep them cool that way.”

Wyatt’s twin brother, Weston, said before a calf show, the cattle are moved into a climate to cool them even further.

“To prepare them for the calf show, we have a[n] insulated cooled barn that keeps them cool at 78 or something like that,” Weston said.

As the fair continues, Huwaldt said she is excited for the shows over the weekend and wanted to remind fair-goers of the livestock auction on Friday at 7 p.m. in the pavilion at the fairgrounds.