Storm Tragedy
Severe weather in Missouri turned devastating for Springfield farmer Jared Blackwelder. After morning chores, he returned in the evening to find 32 of his dairy cows dead. “He went out to bring the cows in and that’s when he found them,” said Stan Coday of the Wright County Missouri Farm Bureau.
Cause of Death
A vet confirmed lightning struck the herd. Coday explained, “It’s a common occurrence. The thing that made this the worst was just the sheer number of cows that were affected.”
Emotional Toll
Blackwelder was heartbroken: “It’s not like they are pets. But the ones I’m milking, I’ve raised every one of them… It knocks you hard.”
Financial Loss
The cows, valued at $2,000–$2,500 each, represented nearly $60,000. Insurance may not cover it. “Most producers don’t carry insurance,” Coday noted. “If you lose a cow you’ve lost everything.”
other, dead on the mulch.
