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A lightning strike in Missouri has killed 32 cows, with the farmer estimating that the losses will amount to $60,000 (€55,000).
Jared Blackwelder of Texas County, Missouri, told USA Today that he milked the cows, which are certified organic dairy cows, as usual on Saturday morning.
When he was finished milking them he went to lock a gate on the farm and lightning struck, which started a fire along a line of fencing on the farm.
When it was time for the second milking later in the day, Blackwelder arrived in the field to find the cows dead. A vet confirmed that lightning had killed the cows.
Speaking to USA Today, he said that he went down over the hill and seen them laying there.
“They were just piled on top of each other. They were huddled up, trying to get out of rain.
“It’s not like they are pets. But the ones I’m milking, I’ve raised every one of them. It knocks you hard.”
The vet who examined the cows said that the most cows he had seen killed by a lightning strike was six.
The farmer now has around 120 cows on his farm and hopes to replace the ones he has lost.
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