Winter Storm Fern damages farms across the Valley

News to know valley graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

Work is continuing across the Shenandoah Valley as farmers, first responders, and state agricultural agencies assess damage from Winter Storm Fern.

Poultry houses, greenhouses, and other farm structures were among those impacted by heavy snow.

Virginia Poultry Federation President Hobey Bauhan says at least ten poultry houses in the Valley suffered structural damage from snow load.

Meanwhile, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance reports nearly 50 storm-related claims so far, ranging from auto crashes and collapsed buildings to downed trees and frozen pipes.

State agricultural leaders say while the damage is serious, it could have been worse. Bauhan noted that a similar storm in 2003 caused more than 50 poultry house collapses statewide.

As damage assessments continue, organizations including the Virginia Poultry Federation, Virginia Farm Bureau, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and the Farm Service Agency are working with farmers to document losses and coordinate assistance.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

Fauquier puppy mill owner guilty of 60 counts of animal cruelty

Fauquier Co. Sheriff's Logo used by permission by Fauquier County Deputy Jeffery Long

A Fauquier County jury found Irina Barrett guilty of 60 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty for her role in a puppy mill on Friday.

In January of 2020, Fauquier County Sheriff’s executed a search warrant after learning about the neglect of an 8 month old Doberman puppy.

Officers found that the puppy was deprived of food and veterinary treatment.

Upon further investigation of her residence, 75 other Dobermans and French Bull dogs were found in terrible living conditions with serious health issues.

57 chickens, three turtles, two guinea pigs and a parakeet were also seized by authorities.

The dogs were discovered in rusty cages with no food or water.

In the garage, deceased dogs of different breeds and ages were found wrapped in newspaper in a box.

46 dogs were eventually euthanized due to their health and the remaining abused dogs have remained in the care of Fauquier SPCA since January of 2020.

Barrett will be sentenced in February, 2024.

Each of the 60 misdemeanors could lead up to 1 year in jail.

The jury did not find Barrett guilty on the three criminal charges investigated in the trial.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.