Percy C. Ashcraft

It is good to see that some things don’t change, even though change has affected some things.

The Prince George Farm Bureau held its Annual Meeting on September 11 at the Disputanta Community Center.  If you closed your eyes for a moment and just listened, you would have felt you were in a room 20-30 years ago with the conversation and neighborly tone.

At the center of the evening was an update on all matters related to farming and its uncertain future.  Everyone in the room was a member of the PG Farm Bureau, unless you were fortunate like me to get a special invitation as being part of the program.

State, district and local Farm Bureau reps covered topic after topic to enlighten and update the membership.  Resolutions were approved by the membership to be passed on to the General Assembly.  They include:

>Support VDOT installing more farm vehicle traffic signs in highly agricultural areas.

>Support mandatory reflective/high visible clothing for bicyclist traveling on roadways.

>Support VDOT having easier accessible local contacts for reporting issues.

>Support upgrading rural roads and infrastructure to accommodate larger modern farm equipment.

>Support VDOT do more routine cutting tree limbs along roadways.

In my six years plus as County Administrator, the Farm Bureau has been a wonderful partner in providing programs and support for our community.  Some of those programs include:

1. The establishment of the Prince George Farmers Market in 2012.
2. Voucher program for kids attending 4-H camp in the summer.
3. The “Egg Hatching” Project for elementary schools
4. Visits to the Bresko Farm by school age children.
5. Being a viable part of the business community through its insurance program.

Being someone who watched his father toil the soil in a small West Virginia garden growing up, it was fascinating to see the passion these folks have for farming.  Many in the room relied on farming for generations to either earn a living or to feed their families.  Time and automation has left the farming profession depleted in many areas, including Prince George County.  But there are still those who live on the farms and work daily to preserve them.

It was a privilege for me to give an update on various topics happening within Prince George County Government.  One point I tried to emphasize was the Board of Supervisors makes it a priority to preserve farm land, and their Comprehensive Plan is based on rural preservation and smart growth.

I was thrilled to be part of stepping back in time and having a chance to thank a great group of people whose efforts continue to preserve the traditions of Prince George County. May their focus never change!