01-27-2025 Meeting Minutes AABPerson County Agricultural Advisory Board Minutes 1
Person County Agricultural Advisory Board
Regular Meeting Minutes – January 27, 2025
Person County Office Building ~ 304 S. Morgan St., Roxboro ~
Members: Present Advisors: Present
Hunter Thomas Yes Nancy McCormick, Soil & Water Yes
Cal Berryhill Yes Michael Thaggard, Soil & Water Yes
Fred Fox Jr Yes Bradsher Wilkins, NRCS No
Bruce Whitfield Yes Claudia Berryhill, EDC Yes
Roy Carver III No VACANT, FSA No
Jessica Aguilar No George Brown, NC Forestry Yes
Rosie Clayton Yes Bo Freeman, Extension Yes
Others Present:
Quorum Yes Yes
Welcome: Chair Hunter Thomas welcomed everyone in attendance and called the meeting to order at
5:30 pm.
Approval of Minutes: Minutes of the August 14, 2024 meeting were read. Fred Fox moved to approve
the minutes as presented. Bruce Whitfield seconded. Motion passed.
Forestry Report: The forestry report was given by George Brown. New employee, Natalie Garrett was
introduced. Staff has been busy writing and updating forest management plans for landowners to
comply with PUV. Tree planting and prescribed burning cost share programs are being utilized.
Board/Ordinance Updates: The County Commissioners approve an amendment to the Farmland
Preservation Ordinance on August 19, 2024. This amendment adds an Agricultural Conservation
Easement program as another option to preserving farmland.
The county is working on an Advisory Board Handbook and training. More information will be shared
when available. Discussion of board member, Roy Carver, occurred. Roy has not attended any meetings
since his term began. According to county policy, if a member has 25% of unexcused absences within a
12-month period, they are obligated to resign. Staff will contact Roy concerning his absences.
VAD Applications: A list of 33 VAD applications were presented for approval. After applications were
reviewed and discussed, Bruce Whitfield moved to approve 32 applications totaling 4,038.16 acres.
Rosie Clayton seconded. Motion passed.
Application for 9.15 acres in the name of Nathaniel and Brenda Williams does not meet the minimum
acreage for agriculture of 10 acres. Bruce Whitfield moved to not approve the application. Fred Fox
seconded. Motion passed.
Person County Agricultural Advisory Board Minutes 2
EVAD Applications: A list of 17 EVAD applications were presented for approval. After applications were
reviewed and discussed, Fred Fox moved to approve all applications totaling 2,576.59 acres. Bruce
Whitfield seconded. Motion passed.
ADFP Grant: Nancy McCormick appeared before the County Commissioners on December 2, 2024 to
request approval to apply for the ADFP Agricultural Plans Grant in the amount of $8,500. The
Commissioners unanimously approved. If awarded, grant funds will assist in the revitalization and
development of the VAD & EVAD programs by providing funding for items such as new signage, updated
brochures, farmer/landowner workshops, outreach and publicity. The application was submitted on
January 16, 2025.
Agricultural Concerns/Discussion: Discussion of solar farms occurred. One company is trying to develop
a large solar farm in the county but the current ordinance does not allow them over 100 acres. They are
pushing the county to change the ordinance. The consensus of the board is against large solar farms as
they remove land from agriculture. Additionally, NC Statutes do not allow VADs to be solar farms.
Concerns of FSA staffing and operations occurred. The reason of the staffing issues was explained. Board
members agree that the FSA office is vital to the agricultural community and local, state, and federal
leadership needed to be made aware of the issues. It was suggested to write county representatives but
until the hiring freeze is lifted it is out of their control.
Agricultural Agency Reports:
• EDC – Claudia Berryhill: Claudia discussed the reorganization of the EDC & PCBIC board.
• Extension – Bo Freeman: The extension office is now fully staffed with a new 4H agent. The Farm
City Week Breakfast held on November 14th was well attended.
• SWCD – Michael Thaggard: Limited cost share funds are still available. The District has received
funding for the StRAP program.
• NRCS: No report given.
• FSA: No report given.
Comments: Property tax reappraisal was discussed. Property owners are reminded of appeal process
and to ensure eligible land is enrolled in PUV. Person County is offering a civics academy for those
interested. Olive Branch Church is hosting a Farmer recognition breakfast on February 8th. The free
event will begin at 8:30 am. Susan Claire Bailey of Roxboro, North Carolina won the Distinguished Young
Woman of NC.
With no other business or discussion, the meeting was adjourned by Chair, Hunter Thomas at 6:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted and approved,
Nancy McCormick
Nancy McCormick, Recording Secretary
9/17/2025
Approved Date