The Powhatan County Board of Supervisors is asking Gov. Timothy M. Kaine to declare the county an agricultural disaster area because of crop losses from dry weather during the growing season.

The supervisors made the request in a resolution passed unanimously last night.

The recent rains came too late to save many of the county's crops, County Administrator Carolyn Cios said.

"Significant losses to hay, corn and soybean [crops] are expected," Eric Bowen, the extension agent for Goochland and Powhatan, wrote in a letter requesting the resolution.

"There has only been one cutting of hay versus the normal two or three, resulting in no less than a 33 percent loss," the letter says. "Initial corn assessment indicates a corn yield of around 85 bushels, or a 40 percent or greater loss. Full season beans have yet to fill out in their pods, a loss has not yet been established. Double crop beans will most likely be a 100 percent loss given current growth stage."

The resolution also asks that any assistance to farmers such as funds for reseeding pastures and hay fields, feed for livestock or low interest loans be made available as soon as possible.

Other nearby counties, including Amelia and Dinwiddie, also have asked to be declared agricultural disaster areas.
Contact Jamie C. Ruff at (434) 392-6605 or jruff@timesdispatch.com.