Hundreds of Cows Go Missing After Tornadoes Destroy Michigan Dairy Farm, Community Begins Search
Two tornadoes tore through west Michigan on April 14, destroying properties and sending hundreds of cows wandering loose into the dark.
The second tornado struck multiple barns and a Fenick dairy farm in the Carson City area, releasing the animals from their shelters and scattering them across the landscape. For the family that cares for them — and the farming community that rallied to help — getting those cows to safety became an urgent mission.
Janet Hull, co-owner of a West Michigan dairy farm, had taken shelter in her basement when the storm hit.
“It sounded like a train coming through,” she told WZZM. “The house shook and it made all sorts of awful noises. When I come upstairs, it was a mess.”
What Damage Was Done to the Farm?
Debris was spread throughout the farm, and several structures were completely destroyed. A large equipment garage had its doors crushed in, and the entire building was heavily damaged. The home’s siding, chimney and windows were also damaged, but no injuries were reported.
The destruction allowed hundreds of cows to escape. Emergency crews spent the night trying to round them up, working for hours. According to Hull, some of the cattle were recovered, but many remain missing. Efforts to gather the rest and begin cleanup are expected to continue.
Janet and her husband, Bryan, a second-generation dairy farmer, milk 210 cows on 500 acres on the farm, per Dairy Farmers of America. They took over the farm in 1976, and their grandsons, Ryan and Drew, help with the day-to-day operations. The Hulls also grow corn and hay and raise Angus calves and replacement heifers.
For Janet, the scale of what comes next is overwhelming — and at the center of it is the welfare of her animals.
“I don’t even know how to begin. There’s barn repairs, roof repairs, animals loose, just so much,” Janet said.
A Community Rallies to Find the Cows
The response from neighbors and fellow farmers was swift. Stephanie Schafer, who runs Jem-Lot Dairy and serves as District 5 director for Michigan Farm Bureau, put it simply.
“You just help your neighbor out,” Schafer said. “It doesn’t matter what happens. It’s a farming community, and that’s the most important part — the community. Everybody helps everybody. … [The Hulls] know we have a truck and trailer. They know we can take 30 head [of cows] if that’s what they need.”
Schafer also offered a reminder that resonated beyond the farming world: “You’ve got to remember: The cows’ homes are destroyed too. Animal care is a top priority all the time for dairy farmers.”
Lane Grieser, a Montcalm County Farm Bureau member and friend of the Hulls, rushed to help as soon as he heard the news, per Michigan Farm News.
“I messaged him, and [Ryan Hull] said, ‘Yeah, it hit us.’ And then he called me on his way in, telling me what was going on. And I just thought, I got to go. Not everybody knows how to deal with cows or that type of stuff — what they’re looking at, you know?”
Dangers on the Roads After the Storm
The Ronald Township Fire Department warned the public on Facebook that loose dairy cows posed an ongoing safety concern.
“There are multiple trees and power lines/poles down as well as severe damage to homes and buildings,” the department wrote. “There is also dairy cows that are on the loose. Please when you are out on the roads, use caution!”
What Comes Next as the Town Repairs From the Storm
The tornadoes came as part of a strong storm system that brought damaging winds, heavy rain and hail about the size of golf balls across West Michigan. Some parts of the region received between one and three inches of rain overnight. By Wednesday morning, thousands of people were still without electricity. Hundreds of crews from Consumers Energy have been sent out to restore power.
More thunderstorms are expected Wednesday evening, with a higher risk for severe weather mostly in southern Michigan. The NWS will be surveying the impacted areas Wednesday.
Through the uncertainty, Janet expressed deep gratitude for the community that showed up.
“I can’t thank them enough, and I appreciate each and every one of them that have showed up to help today. We couldn’t have done it without them and it’s such a great feeling to have the community pull together like this when something awful happens,” Janet said. “I don’t wish this on anyone but thank God for all the neighbors, friends and family, they are the best.”
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
