New AEAs in Sauk and Walworth Counties preserve farmland

By Blake Jackson

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has significantly expanded its Agricultural Enterprise Areas (AEAs) program, designating over 30,000 acres in Sauk and Walworth counties. This brings the total protected area to over 1.6 million acres across 51 AEAs statewide.

AEAs are crucial for Wisconsin's agricultural landscape, promoting farmland preservation, economic growth, environmental protection, and rural prosperity. Landowners within these designated zones can participate in voluntary farmland preservation agreements.

These agreements commit a portion or all of their land to agricultural use while upholding state soil and water conservation standards. In return, they may qualify for the annual farmland preservation tax credit.

The two new AEAs are:

• Woodland AEA (Sauk County): This AEA encompasses over 20,000 acres in the town of Woodland. Local governments partnered with eight landowners to establish this AEA, aiming to conserve and maintain agricultural practices that enhance soil health, like no-till and cover crops. (Local Contact: Brian Sadler, Conservation Technician, (608) 355-4841)
• Delavan Lake Watershed AEA (Walworth County): Spanning over 9,000 acres across Delavan, Geneva, and Walworth towns, and the village of Fontana, this AEA involves local government collaboration with 11 landowners. Their goals include promoting water quality through increased participation in agricultural conservation practices and fostering relationships between farmers and stakeholders within the watershed. (Local Contact: Katie Porubcan, Conservation Technician, (262) 741-7913)

DATCP is currently accepting petitions for new or modified AEAs until August 1, 2025. These designations offer valuable tools for farmland protection, conservation efforts, and supporting the local agricultural economy.

To initiate the petition process, interested landowners can contact their local government or county conservation department. Additionally, DATCP provides resources and workshops to assist with petition preparation. (Contact: Wednesday Coye, (608) 224-4611 or datcpworkinglands@wisconsin.gov.

Petition materials available at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/AEAPetitionInfo.aspx

Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer