N.Y. barn fire leaves hundreds of cattle dead

On Sunday evening, a fire swept through Leuze Dairy Farm in the small town of Philadelphia in upstate New York, killing roughly 200 animals. According to local news sources, the fire broke out around 9 p.m., leaving significant structural damage. 

The farm’s co-owner, Matt Leuze, told reporters that the fire was a major setback for the business, stating it has lost about two-thirds of its herd of dairy cattle. Out of the cattle lost in the fire, most were heifers and steers, expected to amount to damages ranging from $2 million to $3 million. 

Cleanup efforts had been delayed until today while the insurance company conducts an investigation into the cause of the fire. While farm fires can be caused by various factors, including electrical malfunctions, equipment failures, or spontaneous combustion of hay or bedding, investigators have not yet determined what led to this particular blaze.

Other deadly and destructive events have impacted agriculture in New York state in recent months. In February, Wratten Family Farm, a family operation in Madison County, lost over 100 head of cattle in a blaze. 

“This barn was built in 1971 by my grandparents — Stanley and Shirley Wratten. My uncle, Gene Wratten, carried on my family’s legacy being the second generation to run the farm,” wrote Gene Wratten in a GoFundMe organized for Wratten Family Farm. “My grandparents and uncle are hands down, the hardest working people I’ve ever known. They’ve been the first ones to give a job to someone in need, help out the local FFA chapter, or help a neighbor.”

The GoFund me account has raised over $30,087 to date. 

Two other dairy farms also reported barn collapses during February, including Pederson Family Farm in Oneida County, which led to the loss of 60 cows, and Insight Dairy. A GoFundMe was organized for that one as well, in hopes of rebuilding Pederson Family Farm. It has raised $14,720 to date. 

Barn fires are a significant concern for livestock farmers, not only because of the financial toll but also due to the loss of animals and the emotional impact on those who care for them. Farms often take precautions, such as fire-resistant building materials, regular inspections, and fire suppression systems, but blazes can still spread rapidly, especially in large barns housing animals and feed.