Missouri farmer finds 32 cows killed by lightning strike

CABOOL, Mo. — A farmer in southern Missouri said he discovered more than 30 of his cows were dead after lightning struck his property.

The Springfield News-Leader reported dairy farmer Jared Blackwelder discovered the dead cows Saturday. A veterinarian confirmed the cows were struck by lightning.

Blackwelder said he’s not sure whether his insurance will cover the loss. His cows are certified organic, so they’re worth more than conventional cattle, and he estimates a total loss of more than $60,000.

Wright County Missouri Farm Bureau shared Blackwelder’s story on Facebook. As of Tuesday, the post had been shared almost 16,000 times and had more than 1,200 comments.

Blackwelder said he’d previously lost three cows to lightning since getting into the organic dairy business in 2007. Blackwelder still has about 120 cows remaining on his farm.

Information from: Springfield News-Leader, http://www.news-leader.com