Life\u2019s fragility often hits hardest in moments of sudden loss\u2014something Jared and Misty Blackwelder, dairy farmers from Springfield, Missouri, experienced firsthand in 2017.<\/p>\n
One Saturday morning, they fed their 32 cows as usual, unaware of the rare disaster ahead. Despite distant thunder and storm clouds, they let their herd graze, believing recent flooding had passed.<\/p>\n
Tragically, a lightning strike killed all 32 cows just hours later. Photos shared by the Wright County Missouri Farm Bureau asked the public to pray for the couple.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a common occurrence,\u201d said Missouri Farm Bureau President Stan Cody, \u201cbut the sheer number made this one devastating.\u201d<\/p>\n
A local vet confirmed the cause, noting he\u2019d never seen lightning kill so many cows at once\u2014possibly due to the animals huddling during the storm.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese aren\u2019t pets, but I raised every one of them,\u201d said a heartbroken Jared. With each cow worth $2,000\u2013$2,500, the couple lost over $60,000.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Life\u2019s fragility often hits hardest in moments of sudden loss\u2014something Jared and Misty Blackwelder, dairy farmers from Springfield, Missouri, experienced firsthand in 2017. One Saturday morning, they fed their 32 cows as usual, unaware of the rare disaster ahead. Despite distant thunder and storm clouds, they let their herd graze, believing recent flooding had passed….<\/p>\n