Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in May 2017.<\/p>\n
A Missouri dairy farmer is facing a heartbreaking loss after a sudden lightning strike killed 32 of his cows in a single moment.<\/p>\n
Jared Blackwelder, a Texas County dairy farmer, began his usual morning routine around 4 a.m. Saturday, milking <\/p>\n
his herd before the sun rose. As he was finishing up and heading back to the barn, a massive lightning bolt struck nearby, sending flames down the fences.<\/p>\n
“It was so bright, I could barely see,” Blackwelder recalled.<\/p>\n
A Shocking Discovery<\/p>\n
Hours later, when it was time for the next milking, Blackwelder made a grim discovery. His cows, huddled together trying to escape the storm, had been struck and killed.<\/p>\n
“I walked over the hill and saw them lying there,” he said. “It was just devastating.”<\/p>\n
A veterinarian confirmed that the lightning had instantly killed all 32 cows.<\/p>\n
Farming Community Rallies Behind Him<\/p>\n
The Wright County Missouri Farm Bureau shared the tragic event on Facebook, and the post quickly went viral. Over 14,000 people shared the story, and thousands left words of support.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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