Barn fires in Minnesota claim the lives of turkeys and goats

Feb 23, 2017

Fires took place on Tuesday and Wednesday

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

Two Minnesota barn fires between Tuesday and Wednesday resulted in the loss of both equipment and livestock.

Firefighters in Meeker County responded to a fire at a turkey barn on Tuesday morning.

Upon arriving at Langmo Farms, fire crews from Eden Valley, Watkins and Litchfield faced a 76 foot by 416 foot turkey barn engulfed in flames, according to CBS Minnesota.

The 8,300 turkeys housed inside the barn at Langmo Farms perished in the fire. The barn itself and the tractor inside were also deemed total losses.

Officials believe a propane heater stored inside the barn caused the fire. A total financial loss hasn’t yet been determined.

No injuries were reported.

The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office told CBS Minnesota a barn fire on Wednesday evening resulted in the loss of 16 calves and two goats.

Firefighters received word of the fire around before 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

CBS Minnesota reports a family member noticed the fire after arriving home. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze but the barn was deemed a total loss.

Farms.com has reached out to Langmo Farms and the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office for more information on the fires.

Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.