Chapter 4 Walworth County Agricultural Resources and Uses

Chapter 4

Walworth County Agricultural Resources and Uses

Inventory and Trends Issues and Opportunities Goals and Objectives

Introduction

This chapter serves to present basic information about existing agricultural resources in Walworth County and to document the agricultural resource protection and management concerns and issues facing Walworth County. The goals and objectives contained in this chapter are the foundation for the development of the updated County Farmland Preservation Plan.

The County Comprehensive Plan, the County Land and Water Resource Management Plan, the initial County Agricultural Preservation Plan and current County zoning ordinances have been developed in a way that strongly supports the preservation and conservation of Walworth County’s agricultural resources.

Nearly two thirds of the area of Walworth County was devoted to agriculture in 2010, with much of that land consisting of Class I, Class II, and Class III soils. Map 3-9, published in Chapter 3 of this plan, shows the distribution of agricultural land in Walworth County by soil capability class. Agriculture is an important component of the County’s economic base. The County’s location in proximity to large metropolitan areas fosters the efficient distribution of its agricultural products. The growing demand for bio-fuels may be expected to increase the demand for the County’s agricultural products and spur agriculture-related industries. In addition to the provision of food and fiber products, agricultural lands provide wildlife habitat, contribute to the ecological balance between plants and animals, and contribute to the maintenance of the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of the County.

Historically there has been strong support for the preservation of farmland in Walworth County. Although the population of Walworth County has grown by 25% in the past decade, over 60% of the County is still farmland. Farmland preservation remains a difficult and challenging issue, one that involves balancing land preservation objectives with the economic realities faced by farmers. Historically, efforts to ensure the preservation of farmland have relied on zoning and other land use controls. Use-value assessment and tax credit programs have provided some relief to farmers. The Purchase Agricultural Conservation Easement program (PACE) holds some potential to help ensure the preservation of farmland in selected areas.

Although each year brings a change in farm size, livestock herd size and the use of more annual and cash crops, these adjustments require the Land Conservation Division Staff to develop new tools, methods and incentives to encourage farm operators to use best management practices aimed at protecting their soils, nearby waterways and other natural resources. The County Land Conservation Division Staff continue to seek out grant funding to carry-out cost-effective conservation programs.

Economic Impact and Value of Walworth County Agriculture

Farming is deeply rooted in Walworth County. For generations, farms and farmers have shaped the County’s landscape and economy. Over 75% of the farms in Walworth County are owned and

operated by individuals and families. Agriculture is an integral part of Walworth County’s economy, landscape, natural resource base and the lives of County residents. While some communities have treated farms and farming as temporary land uses, Walworth County has valued agriculture as a long- term commitment. Preserving agricultural land and supporting farming continues to be a community priority in Walworth County.

The multiple benefits provided by agriculture have been well documented in Walworth County and have been considered as the basis for this Farmland Preservation Plan update. Map 4-1 identifies the locations of Walworth County Agricultural Related Businesses.

Economic Impact Agriculture remains a vital component of Walworth County’s economy. Farms, farming and farm-related businesses support the local economy. Farms are local businesses. Agriculture provides 3,780 jobs in Walworth County and farmers support many other businesses by purchasing equipment, products and services they need to grow, harvest, process, market and deliver food and feed to consumers and other markets. One thousand farms in Walworth County have production expenses that flow through the County’s economy, to support food processors and manufacturers, veterinarians, garden centers, equipment sales, repair shops, and a host of other products and services. The Census of Agriculture, (USDA and National Agricultural Statistics Service) reported that the total value of agricultural products sold in Walworth County in 2007 was $145.5 million, significantly higher than the $87.4 million reported in 2002. This represents the total market value before taxes and production expenses of all agricultural products sold from Walworth County farms. Of the 1000 farms reporting in the County, nearly half reported agricultural sales of $100,000 or more. Dairy products remain an important part of the total agricultural output in Walworth County, accounting for one third of the total agricultural product sales in the County.

Farmlands require fewer community services. Farmlands, woodlands and wetlands generate more local tax revenue than they cost in public services. By comparison, residential development typically fails to make up for the demand for services and local costs associated with schools, roads, waste management and water use.

Farms produce fresh local foods. Like other types of businesses, farmers continue to take advantage of changing consumer needs. In response to the demand for locally grown agricultural products, many Walworth County farmers have repositioned themselves to serve this new market. Farmers markets, road-side farm stands, and other outlets that sell local farm fresh products directly to consumers have been an evolving and growing trend in Walworth County. Over a dozen farmers markets are open for business in Walworth County. Direct-marketing from 87 farms in Walworth County generated $829,000 in sales in 2011.

Agricultural is the foundation of the County’s rural character and scenic landscapes. Working farms help define Walworth County’s rural character, landscape and identity. The seasonal changes bring a palate of colors to the fields of growing crops and woodlots. In addition to making Walworth County a desirable place to live, the farms and rural landscape make the County a desirable place to visit. Scenic farms and rural landscapes bring tourists and their dollars to Walworth County.

Well managed farms protect water quality and natural resources. Farms depend on adequate land, productive soils, good climatic conditions, and clean water. Farmers in Walworth County have been good stewards of the County’s resources for generations. Farms contribute to the protection of environment by providing wildlife habitat, buffering environmental corridors, recharging groundwater aquifers, filtering air, producing oxygen, absorbing and sequestering carbon. Over 500 farms are managed consistent with County-approved soil and water conservation standards.

Walworth County Agriculturally Related Businesses

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6õ8 See next page for business name key Walworth County Agriculturally Related Business Key Business Name Map # Business Name Map # Whitewater Farmers' Market 1 Farm City Elevator 38 The Coburn Company, Inc. 2 Tractor Supply Company 39 Triebold Implement 3 Compost Managment 40 Sunshine Genetics 4 Walworth County Farmers' Market 41 S&R Egg Farm 5 CPI - Elkhorn 42 Cedar Bend Farm 6 Wilson Farm Meats Inc. 43 West 20 7 Liqui-Grow of Elkhorn 44 McKibben Herb Pharm. 8 Northern FS Inc. 45 Little Prairie Cluns 9 Hagen Transfer Inc. 46 CPI - East Troy 10 Olson's Bison (Buffalo) Farm 47 Vintage Hobby Farm 11 Benhart Farms 48 Michael Fields 12 Lake Geneva Farmers' Market 49 Piper Road Gardens 13 Northwind Perennial Farm 50 LOTFOTL Community Farm 14 Earth Harvest Farm 51 Elegant Farmer 15 Lake Geneva Country Meats 52 Romari Farms 16 Baumeister's Blue Ridge, Inc. 53 Bower's Produce 17 DeLong (Sharon Interstate Grain) 54 Friends of UW-Madison* 18 Delco Corp. 55 Staller Estate Vineyard & Winery 19 Country Side Trees 56 Bellman Family Farm 20 Kikkoman 57 Pinn-Oak Ridge Farm, LLC 21 Terry Woods - Cheese 58 VDB Organic Farms 22 Northern FS 59 Millard Feed Mill 23 Polyock Grain 60 Apple Barn Orchard & Winery 24 Hafs Road Orchard 61 Quednow's Heirloom Apple Orchard 25 Baker's Polled Herefords 62 Piggy Hill Produce 26 BlackSheep Enterprises 63 Dietzler Farms, Inc. 27 Cobblestone Farm 64 Krusen Grass Farms 28 Discover Farms, LLC 65 MoonStar Farm 29 Geneva Lakes Produce, LLC 66 Geneva Lakes Produce 30 LarryVille Gardens 67 Yuppie Hill Poultry 31 Little Miss Sweet Pea's Farm Fresh Market 68 Katzman Trucking 32 Nettesheim Farms 69 Sugar Creek Farm 33 Turtle Creek Gardens 70 Sorg Farm Packing Inc. 34 Lake Country Market 71 Larsen Co./Birds Eye Foods, Inc. 35 East Troy Marketplace 72 Agrilink Frozen Foods 36 Elkhorn Veterinary Clinic LTD. 73 Badger Grain 37 Farms connect us to our community heritage and historic places. The presence and preservation of architecturally significant farm buildings, silos, hedgerows, cropped fields and pastures serve as important visual links to Walworth County’s cultural heritage. These historic places connect residents and visitors who admire the values and work ethic of hard-working farm families. The protection of these farmsteads and farm fields insure that future generations will have an opportunity to learn about agriculture in Walworth County.

Walworth County farms provide access for hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreational activities. Many farmers allow access to their land to allow certain recreational activities, such as hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, hiking, and horseback riding. In addition, biking, running or just driving through rural roads near farms is a recreational experience many Walworth County residents and visitors enjoy. Snowmobilers have access to a network of trails that transect privately-owned farmlands throughout Walworth County. Over 200 miles of snowmobile trails are designated and mapped in Walworth County. These trails are supported by the State, local snowmobile clubs and private landowners who make their land available for this recreational use. Most of the trail corridors are located on privately-owned farmland throughout the County.

Agricultural Land, Farms and Farm Production in Walworth County

The SEWRPC land use inventory indicates agricultural land encompassed about 237,700 acres (371.4 square miles), or 64 percent of the County, in 2000. This figure includes cultivated land, pasture land, land used for horticulture and nurseries, and land occupied by farm buildings; it excludes wetland and woodland areas on existing farm units. Table 4-1 lists the distribution of agricultural land in all of the municipalities in Walworth County in 2000.

As reported in the most recent Federal Census of Agriculture, there were a total of 1000 farms in Walworth County in 2007. As part of the Census of Agriculture, farms are defined as operations from which at least $1,000 of agricultural products were sold, or normally would be sold, during the year. Of the total of 1000 farms reported 2007 in Walworth County, 414 farms encompassed less than 50 acres; 300 farms encompassed 50 to 179 acres; 171 farms encompassed 180 to 499 acres; and 107 farms encompassed more than 500 acres. As reported in the Census of Agriculture, a farm includes land owned and operated by the farmer as well as lands rented from others. Table 4-2 compares the number of Walworth County farms and farm size with total number of Wisconsin farm and farm sizes.

Table 4-1

EXISTING AGRICULTURAL LAND IN WALWORTH COUNTY BY CIVIL DIVISION: 2000

a Walworth County portion only. Source: SEWRPC

Table 4-2

FARM SIZE IN WALWORTH COUNTY AND WISCONSIN: 2007

The Census of Agriculture reported that the total value of agricultural products sold in Walworth totaled $145,530,000 or an average of $145,530 per farm in 2007. This represents the total market value before taxed and production expenses of all agricultural products sold from farmland is a 66% increase from 2002. Of the total 1000 reported farms in the County, 490 farms reported agricultural sales of less than $10,000; 92 reported $10,000 to $25,000 in agricultural sales; 89 reported agricultural sales from $25,000 to $49,999; 87 reported agricultural sales between $50,000 and $99,999; and 242 reported agricultural sales of $100,000 or more. Table 4-3 compares the value of farm sales in Walworth County farms with farms sales for Wisconsin.

Of the total agricultural sales reported for Walworth County in 2007, crop-related sales accounted for $65,651,000 or 45 percent of the total agricultural sales, while sales of livestock, poultry, and their products accounted for $79,868,000 or 55 percent of the total agricultural sales.

The acreage of corn harvested for grain has fluctuated over the past three decades, and stood at 92,650 acres in 2007. The acreage of corn harvested for silage has also fluctuated, totaling 5,636 acres in 2007.

Growing Trends and Innovations in Walworth County Agriculture

Agriculture is becoming very diverse in Walworth. In addition to the production of grain crops and dairy products, Walworth County farmers raise a wide range of livestock and horticultural crops. Egg production, hobby and commercial horse farms and smaller part-time farm operations continue to grow in Walworth County. Walworth County sales of Christmas trees, fruits, nursery stock and vegetable products and services related to landscape maintenance and tree care contribute $6.5 million to the Walworth County economy. Direct marketing of vegetables, meat and poultry, cheese and fruit is rapidly growing in the County and adds $829,000 annually to the economy. The mixed-use of farms and farmland for other types of agricultural products and other forms of agricultural enterprises is a way farmers and farming adjusts to preserve agriculture in Walworth County.

Trends in acres harvested for selected crops in Walworth County are presented in Table 4-4. Corn production continues in Walworth County, as ethanol use increases. As new agricultural crops are found to be a source of bio-fuel, their introduction to Walworth County fields will grow.

Table 4-5 presents the trends of selected livestock numbers in Walworth County. Although the numbers of dairy farms have decreased, those remaining have enlarged their herd size and become more productive. Hobby horse farms and commercial horse farms are expanding in Walworth County.

Table 4-4 TRENDS IN SELECTED CROPS IN WALWORTH COUNTY: 1975-2010 Acres Harvested Year Corn for Grain Corn for Silage Soybeans Oats Hay (dry) 1975 91,000 11,700 16,300 10,900 38,200 1980 100,000 11,800 27,000 5,000 33,400 1985 103,000 12,000 26,000 4,400 26,000 1990 98,000 7,800 30,000 3,600 20,900 1995 85,100 6,500 51,500 2,000 17,500 2000 78,500 9,200 65,600 1,400 12,000 2005 89,700 12,700 53,200 700 13,800 2010 96,500 9,800* 49,600 800 10,700 *2009 harvest Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service and SEWRPC.

Table 4-5 TRENDS IN SELECTED LIVESTOCK IN WALWORTH COUNTY: 1975-2010 Cattle and Calves (head) Year Total Milk Cows Hogs and Pigs (head) 1975 62,700 11,700 22,100 1980 47,200 23,300 24,300 1985 47,000 21,000 23,100 1990 50,100 19,400 24,400 1995 41,000 17,400 23,000 2000 31,000 14,500 22,000 2005 32,500 13,800 17,500 2010 34,500 12,400 21,200* *2007 numbers Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service and SEWRPC.

Walworth County farmers continue to use new technology to increase production, efficiency and profit. Farmers use their electronic communication skills and devices to purchase fertilizers and

pesticides, network, sell their products, monitor production in their fields and in their barns and track the world commodity markets. Farmers use advanced Global Positioning Systems, (GPS) to plant fertilize, manage and use manure and harvest. Dairy operations are becoming high tech and smart by using robotics and other technology to automate their operation to reduce costs. The future of farming in Walworth County will depend on learning and using advanced technology

Walworth County farmers continue to use the resources provided by researchers, educators, technicians and specialists supported by the University of Wisconsin and Walworth County to make improvements in their farm operations. With help from these specialists and the use of new technology, farmers are becoming more efficient in planting and harvesting practices and are generating higher average annual yields and profit.

The future direction of agriculture in Walworth County requires local farmers to adapt to the new challenges requiring innovative solutions, use of advanced technology and new policies. The nature of farming in Walworth County will change or adapt as a result of the following factors:

Rising and falling grain prices.

Swings in dairy product prices.

Deterioration of the credit conditions.

Changing consumer demands.

Increase in the cost of fuel to run farm machinery.

Fluctuation in the cost of energy, fertilizer and other farm chemicals.

Increase in the production of biofuels.

Advancements in the renewable forms energy from wind and the sun.

Aging farmers or the transfer of farms to the next generation.

Environmental regulations related to runoff and nutrient management.

The use of agriculture land and production for carbon sequestration, waste recycling, water pollution trading and protection of groundwater recharge areas.

Diversification of uses on the farmlands and the farmsteads

Changes in the Nature, Location and Focus of Agriculture in Walworth County, including the Production, Processing, Supply, Sale and Distribution of Agricultural Products

Slowing of the Conversion of Prime Farmland to Non-Agricultural Uses

Currently, there is an overabundance of vacant rural and urban lots within fully improved subdivisions in Walworth County. Due to the current economic downturn and the weak housing and land development market, it is not anticipated that conversion of prime farmland to non-agricultural uses will occur at any significant rate in the foreseeable future. With a few exceptions, any conversion of prime farmland to nonagricultural uses is targeted to those areas close to or served by water, sewer and other public services.

Farmers are specializing in one sector of agricultural production, such as grain farming, milk production, or raising livestock for meat production.

Farmers in Walworth County are targeting their growth by focusing and specializing on one sector of agricultural production such as, large-scale grain farming, raising livestock for meat production or large-scale dairy operations. A diversity of agricultural products grown or processed on one farm is becoming rare in Walworth County. This large-scale specialization is dependent on uncertain markets and requires out-sourcing of services and products no longer generated on the farm.

Increased Consumer Demand for Fresh Locally Grown Foods

A growing interest in cooking and healthy eating has sparked a demand for fresh and locally grown foods. In response, current and new farmers are broadening their product mix to include a variety of produce, heirloom vegetables, grass-fed livestock, organic raised poultry, and other fresh ingredients for ethnic cuisines. Farms and a few start-up food processors are creating new value-added products, such as canned salsas, flavored honey, and dried teas. The growth of these small businesses is expected to continue as public attention is focused on food safety and security, imported foods and nutritional health and obesity. This demand will fuel new market opportunities and new agricultural jobs in Walworth County.

Renewed Interest in Locally Sourced Native Plant Materials and Native Landscaping

With a renewed interest in controlling invasive species and establishing native plant communities, the local landscape industry sees the potential for business expansion into new enterprises and areas. In order to serve growing homeowner’s interest in locally sourced native plants and green landscaping, Walworth County landscape contractors are supplying these materials and promoting these services. In 2007, this sector of the agricultural community contributed $6.5 million to the Walworth County economy. Consumer interest in native landscaping will continue to grow and create additional full- time jobs and many seasonal job opportunities.

Use of Direct-Marketing will Expand

More Walworth County farmers are selling their products directly to consumers at roadside stands, farmers markets, pick-your-own operations, and through community supported agriculture (CSA) programs. In 2011, it was estimated that eighty-seven Walworth County farms generated $829,000 in direct sales to consumers. Six farmers markets are open for business in Walworth County.

Commercial Dairy Herd Size will continue to Increase

Although grain production is the largest part of Walworth County agriculture, dairy production and the sale of milk was the second top commodity and contributed $52.3 million in agricultural economic activity in 2007. Each year commercial dairy farms are established and herd sizes increase. In order to be profitable under an uncertain market, farmers are building bigger barns and the necessary animal waste management systems to accommodate more animal units. Farm managers of large dairy farms need large tracts of upland agricultural land with suitable soils and slopes near their farmsteads to safely apply animal waste and recycle nutrients.

Non-agricultural uses on Farmland and Farmsteads will Increase

There is a rising trend for using farms and farmsteads for uses other than growing crops and housing livestock. Some vacant Walworth County barns are used for storage of recreational watercraft during the off-season or other uses for other purposes. Wind turbines and communications towers are being erected on Walworth County farm fields. Recently, a field of solar collectors was constructed among a field of sunflowers in Walworth County. These uses help farmers generate additional income. Finding other uses for historic barns is one way to aid in their preservation. The Walworth County Land Use and Resource Management Department must be prepared to assess the compatibility of these new uses as means to keep farming viable in Walworth County.

Means to Move, Process and Store Agricultural Products will Change

Walworth County farms are uniquely situated with access to a well maintained network of State, County and Town Roads to move their product. Walworth County is fortunate to have several commercial grain drying, storage, and distribution centers. Many of these centers are served by rail. Having adequate grain storage facilities on the farm or off the farm helps farmers with the uncertainty of market prices. Erecting grain drying equipment, elevators and storage structures on Walworth County farms will increase. The Walworth County Land Use and Resource Management Department must be prepared to assess compatibility of these new structures on farm parcels, with Zoning Standards.

Need to Assist Farmers with Environmental Issues related to the use of their Farmlands for the Application of Agricultural, Non-agricultural, Industrial and Domestic Wastes.

Due to its close proximity to the urban centers of Wisconsin, Walworth County’s farmlands are targeted for the application of a variety of agricultural, non-agricultural, industrial and domestic wastes. Farmers need technical assistance and guidance to insure that the applications of these wastes are compatible with their current farm management plans and to understand any environmental or economic risks. In addition, the Walworth County Land Use and Resource Management Department must assess the compatibility and the environmental risks associated with this use of farmland and any proposal for the use of land for the commercial storage of these wastes.

Farmland in State and Federal Farmland Preservation Programs

In addition to the current State Agriculture Use Valuation program that assesses farmland at its actual agricultural value and not as its potential full market value for property tax purposes, a number of government programs have been created to help protect farmland and other rural land. These include the Wisconsin Farmland Preservation Program, the Federal Conservation Reserve, Conservation Reserve Enhancement program, and Wetland Reserve program. The utilization of these programs in Walworth County is described below.

Wisconsin Farmland Preservation Program

Created by the Wisconsin Legislature in 1977, the Wisconsin Farmland Preservation program combined planning and zoning provisions with direct tax benefits to encourage the preservation of farmland. Under this initial program, owners of farmland received an income tax credit if their land is included in a State-certified exclusive agricultural zoning district or is covered by a farmland preservation agreement, and if other program eligibility requirements are met, such as farm income and compliance with soil conservation standards. Prior to 2001, under Wisconsin Statutes, exclusive agricultural zoning had to specify a minimum parcel size for a residence or farm of 35 acres; this requirement has been replaced by a provision that an exclusive agricultural zoning district simply specify a minimum lot size. The A-1 Prime Agricultural Land District of the Walworth County Zoning Ordinance retains 35 acres as the minimum parcel size.

For the 2009 tax year, 374 tax returns filed by Walworth County residents claimed the Farmland Preservation tax credit. The average farmland tax relief credit for Walworth County tax returns was $617.

It should be noted that, in addition to the Farmland Preservation Credit Program, landowners could also claim a state income tax credit under the Wisconsin Farmland Tax Relief Credit program. The acreage and production requirements of this program are the same as for the Wisconsin Farmland Preservation program; however, there is no local planning or zoning requirements. The credit is not affected by the claimant’s household income. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue reported that 642 farmers residing in Walworth County claimed an income tax credit under the Wisconsin Farmland Tax Relief Credit program in the 2009 property tax year. The average tax credit under this program was $330.

These two direct benefits for Walworth County farmers were replaced by the new Farmland Preservation Tax Credits approved in the Wisconsin Working Lands Initiative approved by the Wisconsin Legislature and Governor in 2009.

Beginning with the 2010 tax year, owners of farmland in Walworth County will eligible to collect a new tax credit of $7.50 per acre of land zoned for farmland preservation. Landowners claiming the tax credit must have $6,000 in gross farm revenue for the past year or $18,000 for the past three years, have land in an area certified for farmland preservation zoning, and must certify that they comply with state soil and water conservation standards.

Federal Conservation Reserve, Conservation Reserve Enhancement, and Wetland Reserve Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers several programs that contribute to water quality, reduce erosion, and provide wildlife habitat in agricultural areas. The USDA Conservation Reserve program (CRP) encourages farmers to convert highly erodible cropland and other environmentally sensitive land to permanent vegetative cover. Farmers receive an annual rent payment for a period of 10 years or more; cost-share assistance is available to establish vegetative cover. The USDA Conservation Reserve Enhancement program (CREP) is an off-shoot of the Conservation Reserve program. The USDA uses CRP funding to cover a portion of the program’s cost; non-federal sources provide the balance of funding. In Walworth County, the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program is a partnership between the USDA, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer protection, Walworth County, and the landowner. Usage of the Conservation Reserve and Conservation Reserve Enhancement programs in Walworth County is indicated in Table 4-6. A total 4,729 acres of land were enrolled in the Conservation Reserve and Conservation Reserve Enhancement programs in Walworth County in 2010.

The USDA Wetland Reserve program provides financial incentives to landowners to restore and enhance wetlands, retiring marginal agricultural land. Under this program landowners receive financial assistance for wetland restoration projects; they may be reimbursed for granting a conservation easement, depending upon the program option they chose. As indicated in Table 4-6, a total of 1,917 acres were enrolled in the Wetland Reserve program in Walworth County in 2010.

Table 4-6

LANDS ENROLLED IN THE USDA CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM, CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM, AND WETLAND RESERVE PROGRAM IN WALWORTH COUNTY: 2010

Walworth County Land and Water Conservation Program

The Walworth County Land Conservation Division provides direct technical and financial assistant to farmers in Walworth County to implement soil and water conservation best management practices to protect the County’s soil and water resources. In addition, the County Land Conservation Technicians help farmers develop nutrient management plans and agricultural water management plans.

Even with limited funds, the Walworth County Land Conservation Committee approved over 115 contracts with landowners to implement best management practices, between 1999 and 2009 to control cropland erosion, manage nutrients and animal waste.

All of these efforts by the Walworth County Land Conservation Division are carried out under the guidance of the Walworth County Land and Water resource Management Plan, (Walworth County, April 2010).

Development of Agricultural Resource Goals and Objectives

Public Input

The Land Conservation Committee and the Committee Staff made every effort to incorporate each agricultural resource issue and concern identified by the public into the plan. A series of six public meetings on the provisions of the Working Land Initiative conducted since October 2009 generated very thoughtful support for preserving Walworth County farmland from County residents, specifically Walworth County farmers.

Participants in a series of public information meetings convened throughout Walworth County in December of 2007 for the preparation of the County comprehensive plan, listed agricultural resources among the County’s tops strengths and cited the loss of farmland as a threat or weakness.

Most respondents to a County-wide public opinion survey conducted for the purpose of developing the County comprehensive plan also generated strong importance and support for the preservation of Walworth County farmland. Respondents further stated that Walworth County should set agricultural land preservation as a goal and implement policies and programs to achieve it. Most respondents indicated that the continued existence of the remaining family farms is important to the County’s future. When asked whether they would support spending tax dollars for the preservation of agricultural land by compensating landowners who agree to preserve their farmland, the results were mixed, although a majority would support some tax increase.

The Citizens Advisory Committee, formed for the preparation of the County Land and Water Resource Management Plan endorsed the goal to protect productive agricultural land in Walworth County and to continue to assist farmland program participants develop and implement conservation plans.

Agricultural Land Resource Goals and Objectives

Agricultural Resource Goal

Preservation of the agricultural resource base of the County. The preservation of Walworth County farms and farmland is a sound community investment and it insures the public will continue to receive the multiple benefits of agriculture.

Agricultural Resource Objectives

Preservation of farmland with the most productive soils, generally comprised of soils in Capability Classes I, II, and III, as identified by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Preservation of large blocks of farmland, to promote more efficient farming and minimize conflicts between farming operations and urban-type uses.

Urban growth, including the construction of new residential units, occurs within established urban service areas, where water sewer and other public services are available.

Maintenance of agriculture and agricultural uses as an important component of the economic base of the County.

Recognize Walworth County’s farming heritage, including historic barns and the scenic values associated with rural farming areas.

Maintenance of strong connections between agricultural and natural resource areas.

Promote the use of best management practices to minimize the impacts of farming activity on the environment.

Business and technical support is available to new and existing farmers to grow and diversify their farm businesses and increase profitability.

Support the existing and future processing plants, markets, and infrastructure needed to process, transport and sell agricultural products.

Support self-sustaining agricultural enterprises areas that are consistent with the County Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan.

Support property and income tax relief to reduce the tax burden on landowners of Walworth County agricultural land.