Agenda - 09-06-2012 - 5g; VAD - Parker Farm

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d. Have favorable growing season. (YES) 9 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. OR 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 121 Acres in forestland 168 Acres in homestead, farmstead or other related use 5 Total TRACT acres 294 Greater than two-thirds in designated uses. Yes XX % 98% No Comments: 1. 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. Comments: The Parker Farm had an active conservation farm plan and works with the USDA-NRCS, FSA, and the Orange Soil and Water Conservation District to improve the conservation efforts on their farm. The Parkers Farm consist of cultivation of cropland, horticulture produce, beef cattle and other livestock, and forestry management practices. All of their farm activities meet or exceed recommended conservation practices.