ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — Farmers across the Shenandoah Valley are still digging out after last weekend’s powerful winter storm. Early assessments show the region’s agriculture sector suffered far more damage than was first believed. Officials with Virginia Cooperative Extension and the USDA’s Farm Service Agency report that at least 24 poultry houses collapsed under the extraordinary weight of snow and sleet that fell for hours without relief.

The losses span three counties. Page County recorded two poultry‑house collapses, Augusta County reported eight, and Rockingham County—home to Virginia’s largest sector of poultry production—saw 14 structures fail. Beyond poultry operations, dozens of additional farm buildings were destroyed, including hay barns, equipment sheds, and several greenhouses.

Turkey house collapsed due to snow. Photo credit: Local farmers who desire to remain anonymous.

Preliminary estimates by Virginia Cooperative Extension place total agricultural damage at more than $13 million, a figure expected to rise as farmers continue to assess remote structures and outbuildings. Many producers report that the storm delivered an unusual combination of heavy sleet that accumulated rapidly, stressing roofs beyond their capacity.

Officials with the Farm Service Agency say financial assistance is available for affected producers through existing federal disaster programs. Farmers are encouraged to contact their local Extension office or county FSA office to begin reporting losses and exploring available aid.