It’s estimated Hurricane Ian tore through about four million acres of farmland in Florida. But it’s not just acres that have been impacted. One dairy farm lost 250 cows in the storm.
It happened at Dakin Dairy Farms in Myakka City. The farm is home to 4,000 cows. Ian battered them with 100+ mph winds. Dakin says the animal death toll is likely to rise as many of the animals have developed respiratory problems and pneumonia due to their exposure to weather conditions during the storm.
Despite experiencing the hurricane firsthand, the dairy is committed to not only making sure their cows are well cared for, but also becoming a helping hub for their community. Courtney Dakin, the farm’s tour director, says they are taking in donations and helping to hand them out. She encourages anyone in need to reach out to them.
A New World Dairy Expo Supreme Champion
The World Dairy Expo has crowned a new supreme champion. Her name is Oakfield Solom Footloose-ET. Footloose is owned by Duckett Holsteins, Vierra Dairy and Tim & Sharyn Abbott of Rudolph, Wisconsin, and took home the Gregory Blaska Memorial Trophy. Her winning streak began with numerous wins in the International Holstein Show, topping the Five-Year-Old Cow Class and later named Senior Champion Female and Grand Champion Female. Taking the title of Reserve Supreme Champion of World Dairy Expo was the Grand Champion Female of the International Jersey Show, Rivendale VIP Eloise, owned by Vierra Dairy Farms of Hilmar, California.
