CHARACTERIZING FARMLAND LOSS IN DANE COUNTY

Dane County is one of the most agriculturally productive regions in Wisconsin, which is one of the most agriculturally productive states in the nation. In 2007, Dane County ranked first in the state with a $470 million agricultural market value.i In 2004, according to the University of Wisconsin-Extension and Dane County, agriculture accounted for $3.19 billion in economic activity, which is about 11% of the county’s total economic activity.ii

Dane County is also one of the fastest growing regions in the state.iii This growth is anticipated to add about 50,000 persons to Dane County every 10 years. If rural, suburban, and urban development needed to accommodate this projected growth is located on agricultural lands, the county’s potential for continued excellence in agricultural production and environmental quality will be compromised. Dane County towns, villages, and cities are challenged to accommodate population growth while ensuring a productive and viable agricultural economy and the integrity of the ecological services the lands provide.

In recognizing the value of the region’s agricultural lands and the need to protect and preserve them, the charter resolution of local governments charged the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission to “efficiently provide services to support development and farmland preservation.” To address this responsibility, the Commission has adopted a goal to “protect agricultural lands and non-farm developments in order to maintain the county as one of the nation’s most productive agriculture areas.”

The Commission established a workgroup to further examine the policies and criteria affecting farmland development and protection.

i 2007 Census of Agriculture State and County Data, Wisconsin. USDA Agricultural Census. link
ii Dane County Agriculture: Value and economic impact. University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension, Dane County, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, 2004. link
iii Final Population Projections for Wisconsin Counties by Components of Change: 2000 – 2030. Department of Administration: Demographic Services. January 2004. link

Working Lands Workshop
For Farmland Preservation in Dane County

The first in a series of workshops was held on February 24th, 2009 and included discussion about farmland loss and the potential tools and strategies to preserve farmlands in Dane County.

View Workshop Agenda with links to presentations here.

View Link to Wisconsin Working Lands Initiative in Governor’s Budget.

Please fill out the Participant Worksheet form here that was avialable at the workshop if you would like to give additional input.

Topics Included

• The Regional Agriculture Economy
• Farmland Loss and Developed Land Gains
• Preservation and Mitigation Tools
• Funding Opportunities for Farmland Protection
• Intergovernmental Cooperation
• Land for Housing, Land for Farming: Conflicts, Challenges, & Opportunities

Stay tuned for information on future workshops.

Contact
Bridgit Van Belleghem
Capital Area Regional Planning Commission
608-266-4637
bridgitvb@capitalarearpc.org

Thank you to the event sponsors:

• Capital Area Regional Planning Commission
• Dane County Department of Land and Water Resources Link
• Dane County Farm Bureau Link
• Dane County Farmers Union Link
• Dane County Towns Association Link
• Dane County Cities and Villages Association
• Natural Heritage Land Trust Link
• WI Department of Agricultural, Trade, and Consumer Protection Link
• WI Department of Natural Resources Link