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Residents, farmers urge supervisors to keep county agriculture economic-development post in FY26 budget
Summary
Multiple farmers, ag advisory board members and producers told the Grayson County Board of Supervisors during a public hearing that eliminating the county Ag Economic Development Specialist would undercut a program residents say helps secure grants, build markets and support young farmers.
Grayson County residents and agricultural producers urged the Board of Supervisors at a public hearing to retain the county’s Ag Economic Development Specialist position as the supervisors consider the FY2025–26 budget. Speakers said the position helps local farmers secure grants, expand markets and support youth and beginning farmers.
The appeals came during the board’s budget public hearing. Michelle Pridgen, who identified herself as “a very tiny vegetable producer” and a member of the county Ag Advisory Board, told the board the position has helped producers win grant funding, build outreach through web and social media, and organize events that have drawn state-level attention. “This position is very crucial to our county,” Pridgen said.
Other speakers made similar points. John Fant, who described himself as a farmer and former soldier, said the county’s investment in agriculture had generated returns and called the Ag office “the first of its kind in the commonwealth.” Casey Johnson, a member of the Ag Advisory Committee, and Sarah Torres, part-owner of Cresthaven Dairy, described practical help from the office: networking, technical assistance and support to young operators. “I have only positive things to say,” Torres said of the service.
Speakers also described emergency response work after Hurricane Helene, when county and Ag office staff distributed supplies to producers ahead of other aid. Sandy Cunningham and others noted the county agricultural fair and youth livestock programs as community assets supported by the Ag office and said those programs would suffer if the position is cut.
The public hearing record does not include board action to change the budget; the hearing was held for comment and no vote on the budget occurred at that time.
Background: Commenters repeatedly described the Ag Economic Development Specialist as a county-created position that has attracted state attention, helped grow the county fair and supported grant applications and emergency response. The board’s budget process, including any staff recommendations to add or remove positions, will be decided in later budget sessions.
