2003 Purchase of Development Farm Parcels Rankings

The PDR Review Committee completed consideration of the following six applications.  Five applications were ranked; the sixth applicant, 4003, did not meet the eligibility criteria as a viable farming operation and therefore is not recommended for further consideration.  Applicants 1003 and 3003 tied for the number one ranking.   Applicants 5003 and 6003 are contiguous parcels and form a nearly 900-acre block of preserved farmland land. Applicant 2003 is the heart of a major farming operation.   Below is a table that provides rankings and costs to acquire the development rights.

Ranking Summary:  

1003 – An exceptionally viable farming & dairy cow operation.  Outstandingly productive farm, 50% prime cropland and pastureland, substantial farm infrastructure investment, and family farm is committed to profession.  The farm’s parcels are located on substantial road frontage.  The family has a long tradition of farming.

3003 – A farm that borders Remington, this easement purchase will provide hard edge to the town.  This is a good cow-calf and hay operation covering the mostly open farmland.  Applicant is committing all possible property’s development rights.  The farm has extensive history having been in the family since the late 1700’s and the last remnants of a large plantation.  

5003 – Applicant has recently purchased this farm tract and completed a boundary adjustment with their present home farm making one large parcel.  This acquisition will allow for expansion of their farming operations.  The care and building renovations, pasture and hay land fertilizations and planting have already substantially improved the farm.   Applicant’s son is joining the farming operation.  Land has frontage on two major roads and Elk Run.  This farm is contiguous to 6003.  The applicant is committing all development rights.

6003 – This is by far the largest tract offer in this program, consisting of 9 parcels.  The applicant is farming this land, as well as two other large farm operators.  While the farm has numerous farm buildings, many are not used.  Elk Run passes through the farm.  The farm is located on substantial primary County road frontage. This is good farmland and has substantial family history, being owned by the family since 1780s.  Descendants include James Madison’s godfather.  Yankees “visited” the property during the civil war.

2003 – This farm abuts industrial zoned land and will create a hard edge against these industrial properties.  This parcel is part of a generational farming family that has substantial farming history in Fauquier.  The property is in a high-pressure area for development along the Route 17 corridor south of Bealeton.  Applicant is committing all development rights.   Parcel has received substantial investment in infrastructure.  Farm is well maintained.

*4003 – Is not recommended for further consideration.  The parcels did not meet the viable farming operations criteria.