A late-night lightning strike during Saturday's storms killed five cattle at Lettelier Brangus, a Brangus breeding farm in northern Marion County, according to the farm and weather officials. The animals — four cows and a calf — were found beneath a tree after the severe weather moved through. Farm representatives said the loss included several top-bred donor cows they considered central to the herd's genetics.
According to FOX 35 Orlando, Lettelier Brangus identified the donor cows as LB Ms. Stormi, LB Ms. Black Pearl, and LB Ms. Jolene and wrote on social media, "Today we woke up to a sight no cattle farmer ever wants to see." FOX 35 Orlando reported that the National Weather Service office in Jacksonville confirmed the strike and that the farm is mourning the loss of animals it described as important to its breeding program.
National Weather Service Issues Safety Reminder
The National Weather Service offered condolences and used the strike as a teaching moment, repeating its warning that no place outside is safe during a thunderstorm and noting that if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck. Lightning-safety materials explain that lightning can travel along the ground and jump from nearby objects, which makes trees and metal fences especially hazardous during storms, according to the National Weather Service.
Why Cattle Are at Risk
Extension specialists say the biggest killers in events like this are ground current and side flashes, not always a direct bolt hitting an animal, and that livestock tend to cluster under trees during storms, which only increases the danger. Publications from UF/IFAS Extension note that Florida's climate makes lightning especially common and urge farms to plan around lightning hazards, including the familiar "30-second, 30-minute" guideline for seeking and waiting out shelter, per UF/IFAS Extension.
Farm-Level Precautions
Weather and extension officials recommend moving animals into fully enclosed structures when lightning is nearby, steering clear of isolated trees and metal panels, and using lightning-detection services or apps so staff can act quickly. Safety guidance from the National Weather Service leans on a simple rule: "When thunder roars, go indoors," and advises waiting at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before resuming outdoor work to help protect both people and livestock.
About Lettelier Brangus
Lettelier Brangus is a family-run seedstock operation based in Citra in northern Marion County that has shown and sold Brangus cattle for years, and the farm has been noted in industry profiles for producing high-quality breeding stock. Local write-ups describe the Lettelier family as active in Florida's cattle scene and operating a multi-hundred-acre ranch focused on improving herd genetics, per Ocala Style.
The farm said the animals' genetics will still be represented in the herd, but the loss serves as a blunt reminder for rural residents to take weather alerts seriously during storm season. FOX 35 Orlando's coverage cites the National Weather Service and the Lettelier family as officials continue to keep an eye on more spring storms in the region.
