In response to the severe impacts of snowfall this past winter, agricultural producers in Chautauqua County are eligible to apply for low-interest Physical Loss Loans through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency.

These loans are designed to help farmers recover from damage to physical property essential to their operations, such as barns, equipment, and livestock facilities.

“Snow-related damage can create real hardship for our local farms,” said County Executive Paul Wendel. “We’re thankful the USDA is offering this loan program to help producers recover from the toll that heavy snow has taken on barns, equipment, and livestock operations.”

Examples of storm-related losses were seen throughout the county, including the December 2024 collapse of a barn in Arkwright, where heavy snow led to structural failure, resulting in livestock fatalities and injury to a firefighter during rescue operations.

“This incident in Arkwright reminded us how severe snow-related damage can be for our farming community,” said Noel Guttman, county emergency services director. “We’re grateful to see federal support now available, and we urge all local producers to review their property for damage and seek assistance.”

The USDA Physical Loss Loans can be used to repair or replace essential farm structures and equipment, as well as losses to livestock, perennial crops, and stored agricultural products. The deadline to apply is Dec. 7.

Producers in Chautauqua County are eligible as part of the USDA’s designated primary counties for this disaster. Other primary counties in New York include Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida, and Oswego.

Additionally, producers in the following contiguous counties are also eligible for assistance including Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Erie, Fulton, Hamilton, Madison, Montgomery, Onondaga, Otsego, and St. Lawrence. In Pennsylvania, Erie and Warren are included.

For more information, producers can visit the USDA’s disaster resources at farmers.gov or the New York State Department of Agriculture’s emergency management page. Local USDA Service Centers can also assist with filing Notices of Loss and determining eligibility for available programs.