Massachusetts Officials Say Tornado Damage to Farms was Minor

Massachusetts’ agriculture chief says the tornadoes that swept through the western part of the state last week did little damage to farms and animals.

Scott Soares, commissioner of the Department of Agricultural Resources, said Tuesday 30 pigs were killed in a lighting strike in Hardwick, but it was not a direct result of the tornado.

He said damage to barns and other farm structures due to snow storms last winter prompted owners to remove the damaged structures. As a result, weak buildings were removed, reducing exposure to the tornadoes.

He said only one report came in of a roof blown off in Wilbraham. Soares said agriculture officials expected to see a lot more damage.

In contrast, homeowners in western Massachusetts have filed $90 million in insurance claims.