Derek Alford

This document provides an overview of the Augusta County Comprehensive Plan, serving as a guiding roadmap for land use, infrastructure, and policy decisions over a long-term horizon. The plan outlines five key priorities: Balanced Growth, Environmental Stewardship, Quality of Life, Sense of Place, and Transportation Network. The overarching vision is for Augusta County to embrace its enduring rural charm, promote thoughtful development, and foster an environment where residents, visitors, and businesses feel valued.

The meeting commenced with introductions, notably welcoming the new Crops & Soils Extension Agent. Old business included an update on the Augusta County Fair Weather Station and confirmation that a thank you note was received for the Augusta 4-H Meat Judging Team sponsorship. Discussions for new business focused on future support for agricultural events. The board approved a $750 sponsorship for the David A. Fiske Recordbook Award related to the 2026 Augusta Market Animal Show Fundraiser and moved to sponsor the 2026 Augusta Ag Appreciation Gala at the $1000 level. A motion was passed to pre-approve up to $300 in sponsorship for the 2026 Ag Discovery Day, if requested. The board tabled a decision regarding a potential $17,000 funding request for a 'From Pasture to Pellet: A Value-Added Wool Project' until the next meeting, citing the need for additional information on pellet marketing. The board reviewed the financial status of the Augusta County Fair and settled on an $8,000 figure for the FY2027 Budget Request after reviewing the proposed narrative. Finally, Cole Heizer was acclaimed as the Vice Chair to serve in the absence of the Chair.

The meeting included an update on the Augusta Ag Appreciation Gala, noting strong community support with over 269 confirmed attendees, and confirmed that surplus funds will be donated to youth ag programs. The board discussed the USDA Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP program) and agreed to invite the FSA county director to the next meeting for further details. For 2023 program ideas, the board agreed to support hosting a technology field day in mid-September, potentially covering topics like technology adoption by farmers (GPS, variable rate application, drones) and research into recycling farm plastics, possibly incorporating the NAP program discussion into this event.

The meeting included discussions and reviews of several key topics. A review of the USDA Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and Pasture Range and Forage Insurance Educational Program was provided. There was discussion regarding increased interest in the NAP program for 2025. The board discussed the 2025-2045 County Comprehensive Plan, focusing on the Agriculture and Natural Resources sections, and reviewed potential impacts of solar development companies on agricultural land in Augusta County. Additionally, the board reviewed a listing of farms in the Hazard Mitigation Plan and discussed updating the list with County Emergency Management.

The board discussed budget actions, including support for the Virginia Cattlemen's Association and Augusta Extension. They reviewed shared edits on the Comprehensive Plan update and decided to invite county planners to a future meeting. An upcoming seminar on land conservation easements and the Market Animal Show Fundraiser were mentioned, with a decision to set the support for the Market Animal Show at $3,000, including the David Fiske Recordbook Award. The FY2026 budget request was discussed, including potential assistance for the Augusta County Fair to purchase a new weather station. The possibility of partnering with commodity groups and associations to provide educational programs for farmers was also discussed. The board agreed to sponsor the Land Conservation Seminar with $150 for refreshments.