Gina Heslop
Jared Blackwelder, a farmer from Springfield, Missouri, faced a shocking and devastating sight one evening when he went to collect his cows from the pasture for milking. To his disbelief, all 32 of his cows were found piled on top of each other, lifeless on the ground.
Initially bewildered, Blackwelder soon realized that the likely cause of this horrific scene was lightning. Stan Coday, president of the Wright County Missouri Farm Bureau, confirmed this grim conclusion, stating that Blackwelder had gone to bring the cows in and discovered the tragic aftermath of a lightning strike. Coday explained that while such incidents do occur, what made this particularly devastating was the sheer number of cows affected.
The veterinarian who examined the deceased cows confirmed that they had indeed succumbed to a lightning strike. It’s believed that the cows had sought shelter from heavy rain and thunder under a tree, ultimately leading to their tragic fate.
Coday emphasized the unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of such events, describing how he had also lost a cow to lightning in the past. While these cows may not be considered pets, Blackwelder expressed a deep connection to them, as he had raised each one, particularly since dairy cattle require daily care and attention.
The loss of these cows had not only an emotional but also a significant financial impact on Blackwelder. While he did have insurance, it remains uncertain whether it will cover the extensive losses, which total over $60,000. Coday pointed out that many farmers don’t carry insurance, and losing a cow can be a devastating blow.
Compounding the tragedy, the cows’ meat couldn’t be salvaged for consumption due to the time that had passed since their demise. Processing the animals requires a specific procedure, and after several hours, the cows were no longer suitable for human consumption.
One contributing factor to this unfortunate incident is the lack of dedicated cow barns among many Missouri farmers due to the state’s generally milder weather. Blackwelder’s loss was an example of how unforeseeable natural events can have dire consequences beyond the farmer’s control.
