Farmers need a boost after devastating fire

Posted 7/10/16

Nobody was hurt and the cows made it to safety which is the only glimmer of good news to come from last week's Westport fire that leveled two barns and a big part of what was once a thriving dairy …

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Farmers need a boost after devastating fire

Posted

Nobody was hurt and the cows made it to safety which is the only glimmer of good news to come from last week's Westport fire that leveled two barns and a big part of what was once a thriving dairy industry here.

Despite the best efforts of fire crews from Westport and surrounding towns, the big barns were lost before the engines left the station. Without hydrants, firefighters from all around hauled water from the Head of Westport and nearby ponds but they never stood a chance.

It must be a staggering blow for the Ferry family who, just two winters ago, went outside to find both barn roofs collapsed under the weight of snow. Although retirement was an appealing option, they managed to rebuild.

The fate of their farm again hangs in the balance. For small operations, making money in the dairy industry in the face of mega-farm competition is tough enough even when all goes right. Losing barns twice in two years is a blow that leaves the family with difficult decisions that have not yet been made.

They may have lost barns and most of their equipment, but the Ferrys do have friends and neighbors who want to help.

The Head of Westport Neighborhood Association has established the Michael and Deborah Ferry Fire Fund. Cash or checks made out to the fund may be delivered or mailed to the Westport Federal Credit Union, 790 Main Road, Westport.

Last week Westport celebrated its farming heritage at the 61st Westport Fair — people here clearly cherish farms and the fresh food and open space they provide. One meaningful way to express that affection is to help one of the region’s last dairy farms back onto its feet.

With help, this farm may yet survive an awful stretch of bad luck.

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Jim McGaw

A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.