A Missouri dairy farmer is reeling from an unimaginable loss after a powerful lightning strike wiped out nearly his entire herd in a flash.
Jared Blackwelder, a devoted dairy farmer in Texas County, began his usual routine around 4 a.m. Saturday, rising early to milk his cows before sunrise. Just as he was finishing up and heading back to the barn, a sudden and violent bolt of lightning tore through the sky, striking nearby and sending flames racing along the fences.
What happened next was devastating—32 of his cows were killed instantly, leaving behind a scene of heartbreak and disbelief.
“It was so bright, I could barely see,” Blackwelder recalled.
A Shocking Discovery
Later that day, when it was time for the second milking, Blackwelder made a discovery no farmer ever wants to face. Cresting a hill on his property, he saw the unimaginable: all 32 of his cows, lifeless on the ground.
The animals, huddled together for protection during the storm, had been struck by the same bolt of lightning. A veterinarian later confirmed that the strike killed them instantly.
“I walked over the hill and saw them lying there,” Blackwelder said quietly. “It was just devastating.”
A Community’s Compassion
The story quickly spread after the Wright County Missouri Farm Bureau shared the tragic event on Facebook. The post went viral, garnering over 14,000 shares and thousands of messages of sympathy and support from across the country.
As Blackwelder and his family begin the long road to recovery, their grief has been met with an outpouring of kindness—from neighbors, farmers, and strangers alike—offering a powerful reminder that even in the darkest storms, no one is truly alone.
“Sending prayers from Scotland,” one person wrote. “They weren’t just cows—they were a farmer’s livelihood.”
Another added, “Most people don’t understand how tough farming is. Every day is a gamble. My heart goes out to this family.”
A Costly Setback
Beyond the emotional blow, the loss has been financially crippling. Blackwelder’s cows were certified organic, making them worth twice as much as standard dairy cattle. Each was valued between $2,000 and $2,500—more than $60,000 in total.
Although Blackwelder has insurance, he’s uncertain whether it will fully cover the damages. Rebuilding his herd, especially with organic certification, won’t be quick or easy.
For now, he’s waiting on the insurance adjuster before removing the carcasses.
“When cows get hit by lightning, you can’t use them,” he explained. “It basically destroys them from the inside.”
Moving Forward
Blackwelder, who has been in the dairy business since 2007, has faced storms before—including losing a few cows to lightning—but nothing like this.
As he stands in the silence of an empty pasture, surrounded by the echoes of what once was, he finds strength in the outpouring of support from his community and beyond. Though the road ahead is uncertain, one thing is clear: he won’t be walking it alone.
