By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has designated more than 96,000 acres in Monroe, Shawano, and Sheboygan counties as new Agricultural Enterprise Areas (AEAs), effective January 1, 2026. With these additions, Wisconsin now has 54 AEAs covering 1,737,876 acres across 33 counties, 147 towns, and the Bad River Reservation.
AEA designations support farmland protection, environmental conservation, rural prosperity, and the agricultural economy. Landowners within AEAs can enter voluntary farmland preservation agreements, committing all or part of their property to agricultural use and maintaining state soil and water conservation standards. In return, participants may qualify for the annual farmland preservation tax credit.
The new AEAs include the Lemonweir River Cranberry Region in Monroe County, spanning more than 64,000 acres across the towns of Byron, Greenfield, La Grange, Lincoln, and Scott. This area was petitioned by 60 landowners and local partners to protect natural resources that support cranberry and dairy production while preserving local wildlife habitat. Local contact: Bradley Robson, (608) 269-8976.
In Shawano County, the Town of Lessor Ag First AEA covers more than 22,000 acres. Ten landowners collaborated with local partners to petition for its designation to promote environmentally friendly farmland preservation through education, nutrient management plans, and voluntary agreements. Local contact: Blake Schuebel, (715) 526-4820.
The Town of Plymouth AEA in Sheboygan County includes over 9,000 acres. Seven landowners worked with local governments to help agricultural lands remain productive amid development pressures while supporting economic and environmental sustainability. Local contact: Laura Grunwalf-Rentmeester, (920) 459-1370.
DATCP will accept petitions to establish or modify AEAs through July 31, 2026. Petitions must be filed jointly by at least five landowners and their local governments. Interested parties can contact local governments, county conservation departments, or DATCP staff for guidance.
For more information, visit DATCP AEA Petition Info or contact Wednesday Coye at (608) 224-4611 or datcpworkinglands@wisconsin.gov.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-lishanskyphotography
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy