Dozens of calves vanish overnight from family farm in Mercer County

Authorities in Ohio are investigating a sophisticated livestock theft after sixty-four Holstein calves vanished overnight from a family farm in Mercer County.

The animals were taken from a property near Butler Township, situated along State Route 219 and Coldwater Creek Road, between 10 p.m. on Saturday and 6 a.m. on Sunday.

The calves, which are approximately thirteen weeks old and recently weaned, weigh roughly 250 pounds each. Local reports from WDTN and WHIO-TV indicate that the animals were being kept in a converted turkey barn used as a calf starter facility.

Many of the missing livestock are described as having docked tails. Given the scale of the operation, officials believe the perpetrators possess significant knowledge of cattle handling.

The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office indicated that the suspect was "likely familiar with cattle and used livestock equipment to move them" during the heist.

The financial impact on the family farm is considerable, as these calves are considered highly valuable assets.

Farmers and livestock sale barns across the region have been urged to remain vigilant for any animals matching this specific description.

Sgt. Rachel Heinl of the MCSO is leading the appeal for information, specifically requesting that anyone with relevant camera footage from the area contact the department at 419-586-7724.

This incident follows a series of rural security concerns in the region, prompting local agricultural communities to review their current site surveillance and animal tracking measures to prevent future professional thefts.