OMAHA, Neb. -- A Fairbury farmer who recently closed his dairy processing plant has been charged with two counts of felony animal abuse.

Rex DeFrain was charged Sept. 17 in Jefferson County Court. His arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 20.

DeFrain, 55, said at least six cows died before county officials confiscated his herd. He estimated that he had at least 89 cows.

DeFrain said some of the cows that died were old and had not been starved.

Thayer County Attorney Daniel Werner has been named special prosecutor in the case.

DeFrain had been a partner in Legacy Dairy and Creamery in Hallam. The business opened in 2006 and closed over the summer.

DeFrain said financial concerns contributed to the closure.