Imagine waking up one morning to start chores, you go out to check the beef cattle and find that not all your animals are where they should be. Some of your animals are missing and you realize it’s not a dream. This is a nightmare turned reality for some Wisconsin farmers.
Lt. Evan Mazur with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office worked on a case in which $20,000 worth of livestock was taken from a beef farm. While not all thefts are preventable, he has recommendations for farmers to protect themselves.
1. Keep careful records
Keep track of your property as best as you can and inventory your animals. In many cases, police are able to match the cattle’s identification to the farm’s records to determine the stolen animals.
2. Notice the ordinary
Notice the usual, so you notice the unusual. Look for precursors – people scoping out the area, suspicious activity, cut or damaged locks, a missing animal, etc.
Typically, when animals are taken, it’s someone who knows the farm and how to work animals (after all, working livestock is difficult). In the Jackson County case, it was a former employee.
3. Alert authorities
When you notice unusual or suspicious activity, notify the police. Authorities can ramp up patrol in the area to deter thieves.
Investigators realize they’re not experts in all areas and may need the farmers’ expertise in livestock theft, knowledge of their farm and agriculture to work together. Farmers likely know best where the livestock may have been taken, such as a livestock auction to liquidate the cattle.
4. Consider cameras
Cameras often deter thieves. Even if a burglar destroys the camera, the footage can help identify the suspect or their vehicle. Identifying a vehicle can often be the first step in tracking the suspect.
As the number one farm insurer in Wisconsin, we want to provide the knowledge and insight to help you make the best decisions to protect your farm and way of life. That’s why we go beyond the policy to educate with additional content around safety and best practices.
Reach out to a local agent to learn more.
