Sixty-four Holstein calves, roughly 13 weeks old and freshly weaned, were stolen from a Coldwater farm in Mercer County overnight, a hit that tops $100,000 in estimated losses. The animals disappeared from a converted turkey barn sometime between 10 p.m. on May 2 and 6 a.m. on May 3, leaving owners and neighbors scrambling for answers as deputies say the scope of the job points to a coordinated crew.
Sheriff: 'Pretty serious equipment' used
Mercer County Sheriff Doug Timmerman told The Daily Standard that investigators believe the thieves needed heavy trailers or even a semi to pull this off and that officials are now reviewing nearby camera footage. "You wouldn't be able to just pull up with a van and load these cattle up," Timmerman said, noting that deputies have already spoken with neighbors and are gathering security-camera and doorbell video from the area.
How the missing calves can be identified
Investigators describe the stolen animals as Holsteins weighing about 250 pounds, with the distinctive black and white or red and white markings the breed is known for, and many with docked tails, according to WLIO. The calves were being "started," shifted from milk to solid feed, at Selhorst Farms on behalf of Gaerke Brother Farms when they were taken.
Investigators canvass area and alert sale barns
Deputies say not all the animals in the barn were taken, and that they have notified area sale barns, including contacts across the state line in Indiana, while continuing to canvass neighbors, according to WCSM. Sheriff Timmerman has also told investigators to focus on how the thieves might try to "recoup" the cattle and asked anyone who saw trucks or trailers in the overnight hours to come forward.
Losses and next steps
With the calves valued at an estimated $1,800 to $2,000 apiece, the theft represents a six-figure loss for the owners, as outlined by Cleveland.com. Anyone with information is asked to call the Mercer County Sheriff's Office at 419-586-7724.
