Agenda - 01-24-2013 - 4f - Laserfiche WebLink

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d. Have favorable growing season. –YES* The growing season for Orange County is approximately 200 days. It begins in approximately the second week of April and runs until about the last week in October. This response will be consistent for all farms in Orange County. e. Receive the available moisture needed to produce high yields for an average of 8 to 10 years. YES* *Orange County receives approximately 42 -45 inches of rainfall annually. This response will be consistent for all farms in Orange County. X' • At least two - thirds of the land has been actively used in agriculture, horticulture or forestry operations as defined in the NC General Statutes, Section 105 -277.2 (1,2, and 3) during each of the five previous years, measured from the date on which the determination must be made as to whether the land in question qualifies. Acres in cropland 35 Acres in forestland 27.34 Acres in homestead, farmstead or other farm related use 1.0 Total TRACT acres 63.34 Greater than two - thirds in designated uses. Yes XX %-99— No % Comments: include ponds /water into agricultural use. 2. Farm must be managed, if highly erodible land exists on the farm, in accordance with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) defined erosion - control practices as specified in the 1985 Food Security Act as amended. Plan on file in NRCS Office YES XX NO If NO, plan will be required before acceptance into the Voluntary Agricultural Districts Program. Staff Comments: Farm has an active conservation plan, and farmer is following the plan. Has worked with the Soil and Water Conservation District/USDA -NRCS to improve conditions on the farm, and meets all state guidelines required for their animal operation (swine). Application for VAD /EVAD acceptance: XX Qualifies Does Not Qualify Certified by: _Gail M. Hughes; Soil Conservationist Date 11 -1 -12