Governor George E. Pataki today said all resources from the State Department of Agriculture and Markets have been made available to farmers affected by Sunday’s storms as part of the State’s overall response effort.

"In three of the four counties where we declared a State of Emergency, there is major farm damage," Governor Pataki said. "In addition, we have received reports from 12 other counties indicating at least some farm and crop damage. We will do all we can to help our farm families, along with all New Yorkers impacted, to recover from these wicked storms."

The 15 counties reporting agricultural damage are: Albany, Broome, Chenango, Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Herkimer, Niagara, Orange, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schoharie, Schenectady and Washington.

Commissioner Donald R. Davidsen said he has ordered a team of state veterinarians to assist any farmers who suffered livestock damage during the storm. Also, Department personnel have arranged for the delivery of five generators to farms without electrical power. Without electricity, dairy farmers are unable to run milking machines to milk cows, risking cow mastitis, or unable to cool their milk in bulk storage tanks, causing the milk to spoil.

"Unfortunately, after last January’s ice storm in the North County, we have a lot of experience in getting generators to farmers," Commissioner Davidsen said. "Farmers play an important role in our rural economies. We will do everything we can to help them get back on their feet after this storm."

The most significant farm damage was in Rensselaer County, where farm damage is already estimated to be more than $1 million. All across Rensselaer County there are reports of smashed barns and silos and livestock killed. One herd of 19 calves was electrocuted when a power line fell into a puddle in which they were standing.

In Otsego County, more than $1 million in damages has been reported to farm structures, farm equipment and crops. In Broome County, two farms suffered an estimated $250,000 in damage. Commissioner Davidsen said most dairy farms in the areas affected by Sunday’s storms are now operational.

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