Here’s what’s known about the 64 calves theft in Mercer County:
- The incident involved 64 Holstein calves, about 13 weeks old, stolen from a farm near Coldwater, Mercer County, Ohio, overnight between May 2 and May 3, 2026. The calves were described as recently weaned and many had tails docked. This detail appears consistently in local reporting and police statements.[1][3][5]
- Authorities say the theft was highly coordinated and suggest suspects with livestock handling experience may be involved; the investigation was ongoing with tips being sought from the public.[3][5]
- Value estimates reported in outlets vary, but items indicate a substantial loss for the farm, with news coverage noting tens of thousands of dollars in potential losses.[4][3]
If you’d like, I can pull more targeted updates (e.g., latest official statements, surveillance appeals, or tip line details) and summarize them with direct quotes and dates. I can also track developments and provide a concise timeline. Would you prefer a brief update now or a longer, sourced recap with links?
Sources:
- Local reporting on 64 calves stolen in Mercer County, Coldwater area (May 2–4, 2026)[2][5][1][3][4]
- Additional coverage from regional outlets and farm news sites[5][6]
Sources
MERCER COUNTY, Ohio (WKEF) -- Sixty-four calves were reported stolen from a farm in Coldwater this past weekend.Derek Gaerke, a Coldwater resident, took to Face
dayton247now.comAuthorities are investigating the overnight theft of dozens of calves from a farm facility in rural Coldwater. According to a social media post from those involved, 64 freshly weaned, 13-week-old calves were taken sometime between 10 p.m. May 2 and 6 a.m. May 3. The animals were housed in a converted turkey barn being used as a calf starter facility near the southeast corner of State Route 219 and Coldwater Creek Road.
wcsmradio.com“Two different stages of cattle in that barn, again, which leads you to believe that somebody directly involved in this industry is involved somehow.”
www.wsoctv.comMany of the animals are described as having docked tails.
www.eagledayton.comCOLDWATER, Ohio — Authorities are investigating a brazen overnight theft in which 64 young Holstein calves worth tens of thousands of dollars were stolen from a family farm operation near Coldwater in Mercer County.
www.ibtimes.com.auSixty-four calves stolen mercer county was the result of an overnight theft near Coldwater, Ohio, where 64 freshly weaned 13 week old Holstein calves were taken from a farm near the southeast corner of 219 and Coldwater Creek Road. The calves were being started by Selhorst Farms on behalf of Gaerke …
www.el-balad.comMercer County Sheriff investigates the theft of 64 Holstein calves worth up to $128K. Officials warn of a potential black market amid record cattle prices.
www.farmanddairy.comThe 64 calves were taken overnight from a farm in Mercer County, Ohio. The 13-week-old Holsteins were gone by morning, with authorities indicating the suspect was familiar with livestock handling.
people.com