[at-l] FW: [CERT0ALL] News Advisory: Farmers Encouraged to Clear Roofs..... [OT]

[Martin Fors]

FYI:  With 30+ inches of snow that feel yesterday in many place in VT and
NY, this is some of the problems we're facing.  rusty

 

  _____  

From: cert0all [mailto:CERT0ALL at DPS.STATE.VT.US] On Behalf Of Robert Schell
Sent: Thursday, February 15, 2007 1:34 PM
To: CERT0ALL at DPS.STATE.VT.US
Subject: [CERT0ALL] News Advisory: Farmers Encouraged to Clear Roofs.....

 

 


Date: 

02/15/07

 

Contact:

Vermont Agency of Agriculture

(802) 828-2430


Time:

1330

 

Farmers Encouraged to Clear Roofs

Several Farms Experience Roof Collapses Under Weight of Snow

 

Montpelier, Vt. - A number of barns have buckled under the weight of snow on
Thursday and collapsed; trapping cows and equipment under several feet of
snow and derris.

 

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture is urging farmers to clear snow from roofs
if possible to avoid a collapse.  More than 2 feet of snow has fallen on
many areas of Vermont during the past 24 hours, and winds are now blowing
the snow and creating more hazards.

 

Ag officials also say that if you do have a barn collapse you should call
your local first responders, then your vet if there are animals in the barn,
and then the Agency of Agriculture at (802) 828-2430.

 

7 farms have reported collapses which have resulted in the death of at least
21 cows.  The operators are now digging out and trying to find neighboring
farms that can temporarily house their animals.  One farm is transitioning
to organic and is looking for an organic farm to house its cows.

 

If anyone in the area of Waitsfield, Weybridge, Salisbury, Craftsbury,
Morristown, or Hyde Park has space for extra animals, please call the Agency
of Agriculture at (802) 828-2430.  An organic farm in or near Waitsfield is
of particular need.

 

Agriculture officials also say that three farms have been unable to ship
milk because trucks from their co-op could not make it down their town road.
One farm lost supply from one milking due to an overflowing milk tank.

 

If other farms are experiencing this problem, they are advised to call town
officials.

 

Media and all other inquiries should be directed to the Vermont Agency of
Agriculture at (802) 828-2430.

 

 

Mark Bosma

Public Information Officer

Vermont Emergency Management

(802) 241-5338