Last week's snowstorm in various sections of Minnesota resulted in at least one roof collapse on a pig barn due to the accumulation of snow and ice.

With little warming expected to enable existing ice and snow to melt or slide off, producers and horse owners should monitor the snow load situation on their agricultural buildings and take appropriate action.

Snow loads for agricultural buildings in much of southern and western Minnesota are generally around 20 pounds per square foot. This level of loading is not intended to last all winter; there is a fatigue factor. A roof might be able to support the designed snow load for several days or a few weeks, but probably no more than 30 days