I was working as director of the Rockbridge County Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service and one of my responsibilities was to chair the Agriculture Emergency Board for the county.
The Flood of’85 caused extensive damage to farms and agricultural lands throughout Rockbridge. USDA implemented programs to help farmers get back to their normal lives, as best as possible. Big problems were miles of fences destroyed, livestock watering facilities damaged, farmland washed out, farm buildings damaged, among other problems. We implemented emergency programs to assist in helping to repair some of the damage. The Rockbridge Soil Conservation Service and the County Agriculture Extension worked with ASCS to carry out these activities.
I spent many long days walking around farm lands trying to help farmers repair some of the damage. I learned a lot about fence building during that time. Fortunately this flood was not on the level of damage as was Hurricane Camille 15 years earlier but it was a reminder of Mother Nature’s power.
I remember the Maury River coming out of its banks and destroying everything in its path. The sound of the rocks and boulders being tossed about was deafening. Really hard to believe the power of nature.
Thankfully everyone pulled together and we got back to farming. I know we lost some livestock but I don’t recall that anyone was lost during this event. Jim Green Rockbridge ASCS Director 1978-92
