A lifelong dairy farmer who lost dozens of cows this winter in an Oneida County barn roof collapse is taking steps toward rebuilding.

Many structures across upstate New York collapsed under the weight of several feet of snow that kept falling this winter, especially in parts of Central and Western New York. 

Richard Pedersen, 77, is a hard-working farmer who loves his cows.

So when part of his barn roof collapsed in February, killing 50-60 cows — many of them pregnant — he was devastated.

"We lost all our prized dry cows," Pedersen said.

(Spectrum News 1 file)

Since then, progress has been slow. Pedersen said he was paid by insurance for the cows he lost, but the barn is another story.

“We’re starting to get to see some progress and getting estimates and getting the cleanup and rebuild. We're looking forward to it,” he said.

Until then, Pedersen is grateful for the community’s support. Strangers even gave him a couple calves.

“We didn’t even meet them. They gave me a phone call and said they’re gonna bring calves," he said.

(Spectrum News 1)

“Thank everybody that came and helped, especially saving our animals. And they are dear to us. We love them,” Pedersen said.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County offers advice to farmers suffering losses from disastrous weather conditions. It advises documenting and keeping records on losses to help make accurate insurance claims and other strategies for dealing with losses.

The state’s disaster declaration in March helped make emergency funding available to farmers who suffered losses in scenarios like Pedersen’s. Cornell Cooperative Extension also recommends contacting its Ag team and the Farm Service Agency for guidance.

A benefit for Pedersen Family Dairy Farms is scheduled for 2-6 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at Station 233 in Westmoreland.