KCA Helps Muhlenberg County Cattlemen Rebuild

Darrell Simpson Muhlenberg County ANR Agent

Eleven lives were lost in Muhlenberg County due to the EF 4 tornado on December 10, 2021. That same tornado also caused massive devastation of property to several beef cattle and grain farms across the Northern tier of the county. Barns, tool sheds, grain bins, fences, and equipment were damaged or completely destroyed. In addition to that, cattle and horses were either killed or received injuries requiring veterinarian assistance. There was a great outpouring of help from people within Muhlenberg and surrounding counties as well as people from other states during the clean - up effort in the initial three weeks following the tornado. Although the number of volunteers has not been as numerous as the three weeks initially following the tornado, help continues to arrive almost daily. Not only does help from others continue, the farmers are also receiving supplies, and monetary donations. Individuals, and Farm Organizations have been a part of that effort. The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association has been able to raise funds to help cattle producers across the state. Those efforts have played a major part in helping Muhlenberg County cattle producers through direct cash donations.

Jerry Oates, Vice President of the Muhlenberg County Cattlemen’s Association, presents Danny Miller, center, and his Grandson, Justin Hundley, of Lost Valley Farms, a check that came from the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association fundraising efforts. Lost Valley Farms lost 31 of their 120 cows and 13 calves. Miles of fence was destroyed along with barns, working facilities, equipment and grain bins. Danny’s brother and sister-in law perished in the tornado.

Kenny Smith, right, receives a check from Jerry Oates, Vice President of the Muhlenberg County Cattlemen’s Association. The Smith farm lost seven cows, miles of fence, a livestock barn, an equipment shed, and other barns and equipment were damaged. Due to the help from volunteers, the Smith Farm has had a new equipment shed and some fence rebuilt along with some repair work on some smaller sheds. David Jarvis, of Jarvis Red Angus takes a few minutes from cleaning up what was left of one of his fences to accept a check from Jerry Oates. Jarvis Red Angus lost fences and an equipment shed and received significant damage to other farm structures and farm equipment.

The remains of a wooded area on the Southwest boundary of Lost Valley Farms.

The EF 4 tornado left this utility tractor in two pieces. Transmission line towers were nearly toppled during the EF 4 tornado that caused massive devastation and loss of life in Muhlenberg County.