Many livestock producers have sold their herds earlier

Many livestock producers have sold their herds earlier than they wanted because of a combination of dry farm ponds and a shortage of feed. The result is that the prices per head are low in what experts say is a depressed market.

“It’s very critical,” County Extension Agent Lance Kauf said of drought conditions. “Springs are going dry, ponds are going dry, creeks are going dry. A lot of folks are watering (their livestock) out of their wells and holding their breath and keeping their fingers crossed that the wells don’t go dry.”

Trees also suffer from the lack of moisture. Area Forester Gerald Crowell said the three consecutive years of dry conditions — coupled with the damage done by gypsy moths — have proven a deadly combination for many trees.

“People in the county might have noticed trees dying in the Blue Ridge Mountains and out in the county, maybe in their own yards,” said Mr. Crowell. “A lot of that is due to the drought.”

Planners wary of plans

The county Planning Commission last Thursday temporarily skirted the controversial issue of whether 835 acres of forest and farmland in southern Fauquier should be converted into three large-lot subdivisions.

The planners delayed action on the three proposals — for land between Bealeton and Gold vein — to give the applicants and the commission an opportunity to further consider the requests before they are recommended to the Board of Supervisors for final consideration.

The planners will make the recommendations during the afternoon session Oct. 31.

The issue is whether the county would set a dangerous precedent by permitting the large-lot development of prime soils that would best be preserved by clustering homes on a portion of the properties.

Delmarva Properties Inc. wants special exception permits to subdivide two parcels near Goldvein into