Coryell County residents still searching for missing livestock days after historic flooding

CORYELL COUNTY, Texas (KWTX) - Many livestock owners continue to search for their animals after some were swept away while others ran away from flooding.

For Hailee Spicer, who lives in Pidcoke, mud still covers pretty much every inch of her home.

”Like literally everything is damaged, the only thing we could save was our clothes,” Spicer said.

On top of ruining her home, the high waters also washed away her two goats.

“One of the goats, the female, was my goat I showed for FFA,” Spicer said. “The male he was just a goat I’ve had since I was little.”

Spicer believes her goats are somewhere in the Fort Cavazos-area and is asking the community to help find them.

“They meant a lot to me, especially since I’ve raised them since I was younger and I spent a lot of money trying to raise them,” Spicer said.

At Barnard Beef Cattle Company in Oglesby at least ten heads of cattle are missing, after the ranch was flooded.

”These steers would’ve been worth at least $1,800 a piece, so we’re out at least $18,000,” owner Blayr Barnard said.

Barnard believes the steers could be roaming streets, cemeteries, or even in bodies of water like Lake Belton.

”All of ours that are missing are steers,” Barnard said. “They will all have the SJ brand on the hip and they will have an ear tag.”

Barnard knows she’s not alone and encourages everyone to be on the lookout for livestock.

”Whether it’s live animals or carcasses, that sort of identifying techniques with brands and tags will especially make a big difference to us out here who are missing livestock,” Barnard said.

Ranchers who lost livestock can apply for relief through the USDA’s Livestock Indemnity program. Eligible ranchers will receive 75% of the average fair market value of the livestock.

The program covers losses from severe weather, and applications can be made through your local FSA office.