Severe weather wreaked havoc in Missouri, leaving devastation in its wake. For farmer Jared Blackwelder and his wife Misty, tragedy struck during their routine farm chores. Ignoring distant thunder, they fed their dairy cows, unaware of the looming storm.

Returning to gather the cows later, Jared faced a heart-wrenching scene. All 32 cows lay lifeless, victims of lightning strikes. Stan Coday, from the Missouri Farm Bureau, described it as a grim reality: “It’s a common occurrence… the worst was just the sheer number of cows affected.”

A local vet confirmed lightning as the cause. Seeking shelter behind trees, the cows met their fate. Financially, the loss is significant, each cow valued at $2,000 to $2,500. Insurance might cover it, but farming’s risks are clear.

Beyond the emotional toll, there’s practical fallout. The meat isn’t safe for consumption, exposed to elements for hours. This unforeseen disaster underscores farming’s challenges, reminding us to value both animals and those who tend them. Despite nature’s power, the resilience of farmers like Jared endures.