Virginia farmers brace for more potential impacts this weekend
~ Press release provided by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation
HARRISONBURG, Jan. 29 — Work is ongoing for Shenandoah Valley farmers, first responders and Virginia’s agricultural agencies assessing the full extent of poultry, greenhouse and other property losses from Winter Storm Fern. Now, forecasters are anticipating the potential for more hazardous winter weather coming this weekend throughout Central and Coastal Virginia.
“So far we are aware of 10 poultry houses incurring structural damage due to heavy snow load in the Shenandoah Valley,” said Hobey Bauhan, Virginia Poultry Federation president.
Forty-seven claims for damages due to the winter storm were submitted to Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. by Wednesday morning, “Auto crashes, collapsed buildings, trees on structures and cars, frozen pipes—you name it,” said David Jewell, director of property claims.
State agricultural leaders have seen this before.
“Just for some perspective, during a similar storm in 2003, VPF documented 54 poultry house collapses in Virginia,” Bauhan noted. “While we appear to be better off than back then, any such loss is devastating to those impacted.”
Jewell remembered a winter storm that dumped 31 inches at his house.
“And we handled claims of over 80 buildings crushed by snow,” he recalled.
As Fern’s losses are evaluated, organizations like VPF and Virginia Farm Bureau Federation are working closely with government agencies to coordinate assistance for those impacted. Virginia Cooperative Extension and Virginia Farm Service Agency are assessing the nature and extent of farm losses. Farmers are encouraged to report any storm-related losses to their local Extension agents.
Meanwhile, industry leaders are urging preparation ahead of more possible impactful winter weather.
Farmers across Central and Coastal Virginia should prepare now as a National Weather Service outlook threatens another possible winter storm. A cold air mass persists through most of the week, with potential for accumulating snow this coming weekend due to low pressure developing off the Southeast coast.
“Growers should evaluate any structural vulnerability and consider whether any additional bracing of trusses could be helpful,” Bauhan suggested.
The structural condition of roofs should be checked to ensure they can withstand a load of ice and snow, said Kim Price, VFBMIC farm and field underwriting manager.
“Any substantial bending in the roof line and ridge, or walls bowing or dipping, indicates a structural problem,” she said. “Farmers also should check interior framing and beams for structural integrity. Wood softness or rotting in trusses, beams and supports, or cracking and separation in those supports are signs of distress.”
She noted now is the time to check your insurance policy and consult with an agent regarding any farm coverages that should be considered.
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