Wisconsin Ag Connection - Headwaters of SE Monroe Co. Seeks Landowners for AEAs

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Headwaters of SE Monroe Co. Seeks Landowners for AEAs
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 07/30/2020

Since its designation as an agricultural enterprise area six years ago, the Headwaters of Southeast Monroe County has been working with landowners in its AEA to maximize the amount of land being preserved for agricultural uses. To increase participation, the county is offering an incentive payment to landowners that sign a new farmland preservation agreement in the AEA.

New participants help to implement conservation practices, promote stewardship of soil and water resources, and facilitate local goals for preservation of agricultural lands.

"Whether you farm the land yourself or rent it out, we are looking for more landowners within this area to sign farmland preservation agreements," said Bob Micheel, Monroe County conservationist. "AEAs and farmland preservation agreements are a step in the right direction to protect and preserve a community's agricultural lands. Funding is available to help with conservation costs, such as nutrient management planning."

AEAs are blocks of land that are primarily in agricultural use for farming and for businesses that serve the farming sector. They are created when at least five landowners and their local governments petition for an AEA designation and the department approves the petition.

Currently, there are more than 3,000 acres of farmland in the AEA enrolled in farmland preservation agreements.

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