005-23 (AgDistrictDroughtDisasterRelief) x
RESOLUTION
FREDERICK COUNTY AGRICULTURE DROUGHT DISASTER RELIEF
WHEREAS, the rainfall for the spring/summer growing season has been extremely low across most of
Frederick County; and
WHEREAS,Virginia Cooperative Extension is working with their damage assessment teams and partner
USDA agencies, including the Faun Service Agency, to complete a damage assessment for Frederick
County; and
WHEREAS, the damage assessinent estimates show this lack of rainfall has caused yield losses of 45%
for hay,30%loss for corn, a 25%loss of soybean, and a 35%loss of pasture grazing days; and yield losses
will continue to escalate unless there is significant rainfall soon; and
WHEREAS, the combined effect of hay yield loss and pasture grazing day loss is resulting is a severe
shortage of hay in the area; and
WHEREAS, U.S. Geological Survey Groundwater data show groundwater levels are at extremely low
levels with reports of some wells underperforming in the area, it is incumbent upon the Frederick County
Board of Supervisors to act responsibly in an effort to help protect vital public interests including the
economic viability of the County's agricultural economy and fanners who constitute the core of that
economy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Frederick County Board of Supervisors that the
County Administrator is directed to make a formal request of the Governor of Virginia that Frederick
County be declared an agriculture disaster area and that any and all appropriate State and Federal disaster
relief and assistance be made available to fanners in Frederick County.
ADOPTED this 27" day of September 2023.
Charles S. DeHaven, Jr., Chairman Aye Shawn L. Graber Aye
Heather H. Lockridge Aye Robert W. Wells Aye
Blaine P. Dunn Aye Josh E. Ludwig Aye
Judith McCann-Slaughter Aye
MM'
Michael L. Bollhoefer
Clerk, Board of Super isors
County of Frederick,Virginia
Res. No. 005-23