Missouri farmers are no strangers to extreme weather. Thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and even hailstorms are common occurrences in this region, especially during spring. Yet, the sheer unpredictability of nature can sometimes lead to devastating outcomes. This reality hit home for Springfield farmer Jared Blackwelder when he discovered the tragic aftermath of a lightning strike that claimed the lives of his 32 dairy cows.
The Fateful Day
In late April, severe storms swept through Missouri, accompanied by heavy thunder, lightning, and strong winds. Jared and his wife, Misty, thought little of the loud crashes they heard one Saturday morning after their routine work with the dairy cows. It wasn’t until later in the day, as Jared prepared to gather the cows for evening milking, that the shocking reality unfolded.
In the pasture, a heartbreaking scene awaited him: all 32 cows were lying lifeless, huddled together in one area, victims of a massive lightning strike.
Understanding the Tragedy
Stan Coday, president of the Wright County Missouri Farm Bureau, shared insight into the incident. Speaking to CBS News, he explained, “Lightning strikes killing cattle isn’t unheard of, but losing such a large number at once is extraordinary.”
Veterinarians confirmed the cause of death as a lightning strike. It appeared the cows had gathered under the trees seeking shelter from the storm—a choice that inadvertently put them in harm’s way. Trees, often a natural refuge for animals, can act as lightning rods during storms.
An Emotional and Financial Blow
For Jared Blackwelder, the loss of 32 cows was more than just a financial hit—it was deeply personal. “These aren’t just livestock,” he told the Springfield News-Leader. “I’ve raised each of them, and dairy farming means working closely with these animals twice a day. Losing them feels like losing a part of yourself.”
Financially, the toll is staggering. Blackwelder estimated the value of his organic-certified dairy cows at $2,000 to $2,500 each, totaling over $60,000. Although he had insurance, he expressed uncertainty about whether his policy would cover the full extent of the loss.
Stan Coday highlighted that many farmers face a similar dilemma. “Insurance isn’t always an option for everyone, and the loss of even one cow can be devastating for smaller operations,” he noted. Additionally, the meat from the cows was unsalvageable due to the nature of the incident and the time elapsed before their discovery.
The Role of Missouri’s Weather
Missouri’s warm climate and frequent storms make it challenging for farmers to provide consistent shelter for their herds. Most farms in the region lack dedicated structures to house large groups of cattle, leaving animals exposed to the elements.
While preventive measures like lightning rods and shelters can mitigate some risks, not all farms have the resources to implement them. “This was an act of nature that couldn’t have been avoided,” said Coday.
Storms in Missouri: A Recurring Threat
The tragedy highlights the broader risks that extreme weather poses to agriculture in Missouri. On the same weekend, a tornado tore through parts of the state, with winds reaching 90 mph and hail as large as baseballs, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Damage ranged from uprooted buildings to injured livestock.
Earlier that month, another severe storm left a trail of destruction, claiming five human lives and damaging structures like churches and barns. These incidents serve as sobering reminders of the power of nature and the challenges faced by those who work the land.
Moving Forward
For farmers like Blackwelder, the loss is a painful reminder of their vulnerability to nature’s unpredictability. Despite the emotional and financial hardships, he remains committed to his work, a testament to the resilience that defines many in the agricultural community.
This incident also underscores the importance of raising awareness about farm safety during severe weather and exploring solutions to protect livestock in vulnerable regions.
Conclusion
The loss of 32 cows in a single lightning strike is a rare and tragic event that highlights both the beauty and the brutality of nature. For Missouri farmers, it serves as a poignant reminder of the risks they face daily to feed and sustain their communities. As efforts to mitigate these risks continue, the resilience of farmers like Jared Blackwelder ensures that agriculture remains at the heart of Missouri’s identity.
Sources
- CBS News: “Farmer devastated to discover lightning strike killed 32 of his dairy cows”
- CBS News: “Tornado, baseball-sized hail wreak havoc in Missouri”
- National Weather Service Reports on Missouri Storms