Number of Downed Farm Buildings Rising in Connecticut

Connecticut agriculture officials say more than 300 buildings on about 100 farms have partially or totally collapsed due to heavy snow and ice, more than double a previous estimate last week. The buildings include barns, greenhouses, sheds and fabric-covered hoop houses.

The state Department of Agriculture said Wednesday it continues to tally losses of livestock, downed buildings and damaged equipment and supplies. Commissioner Steven Reviczky (Reh-VISS-kee’) says the number keeps rising.

State agriculture officials say farmers can seek assistance from the federal Farm Service Agency. The state also may seek federal help.

Back-to-back heavy snow storms have leveled buildings, killing 85,000 chickens when a coop collapsed and more than a dozen dairy cows. Two horses were euthanized after being trapped in rubble from a barn collapse.