Charlie Holmes in the Windham Journal reports that after last winter's cold and heavy snow damaged crops, local farmers can now apply for low interest loans for crop damage since the United States Department of Agriculture made a disaster declaration, a representative from U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer’s office said Friday. “When New York’s farmers struggle, our entire economy struggles,” New York's other senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, said in a joint statement. “This past winter season was extremely difficult for our farmers, grape growers and vineyards across the state. Losing out on these crops could set them behind all season, hurting local businesses and the economy throughout the state.” The story says that damage varied from farm to farm, with some spared and others hurt. “I lost practically all my cherries,” said Arnie Feller of Taconic Orchards in Hudson, near the Claverack Creek. “Some of the peach trees died, too. Some trees had no peaches and others were loaded.” Farmers with crop damage last winter can contact the Farm Services Agency at 518-828-4385. Read the full story in The Windham Journal.