Winter storm damages buildings on poultry farms across the state

The powerful winter storm that dumped up to a foot of snow and two inches of sleet in many parts of Arkansas has impacted poultry and cattle producers. The Cooperative Extension Service has received reports of farm structures, including chicken houses, being damaged or destroyed under the weight of ice and snow. Some producers have had trouble getting feed and hay in parts of the state. Kimberly Rowe, Hempstead County agriculture agent for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said several poultry houses have collapsed in the McCaskill area. “The grower said these were older structures and birds were being relocated to other houses on his farm,” Rowe said. “Regionally, the count for downed poultry houses, primarily broiler houses, is estimated to be in the 30s and continuing to rise. One high tunnel in the county has been reported as a total loss.” Bobby Powell, Yell County extension staff chair, said about 70 poultry houses throughout the Arkansas River ...