They briefly considered redirecting part of the $3 million, which is intended to help dairy farms through a particularly difficult year by boosting their milk checks, to the roughly dozen farms where barns collapsed and cows were killed or injured.

But there were too many logistical issues with creating another program for the farmers who suffered in last week's heavy snowfall. So senators decided they'd stick with the cash assistance to all farmers and those who had damage would be able to use the money as they saw fit.

"This will also help those farmers whose barn roofs collapsed," said Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Sara Kittell, D-Franklin.

They did agree to set aside $100,000 that was going to be used to buy down interest rates. The money will be available if the Agriculture Agency determines the money is needed to help farmers whose barns collapsed.

"There are some (farmers) who (don't) know if they can continue," said Sen. Phil Scott, R-Washington, who helped organize an effort to clear snow from barn roofs. "This would send a strong message that we're willing to help."

Source: 3WCAX-TV News