Farmland Preservation Program

What is the Farmland Preservation Program?

The Wisconsin Farmland Preservation Program (FPP) is designed to help local governments and landowners preserve agricultural land, minimize conflicting land uses, and promote soil and water conservation. Owners of farmland who participate in the program receive an income tax credit incentive.

Who is eligible to claim income tax credits through Farmland Preservation Program?

• Landowners must be residents of the state of Wisconsin.
• The farm must be in compliance with the soil and water conservation standards.
• The agricultural use of the land must produce at least $6,000 in gross farm revenue the previous year or $18,000 over the previous three years.

Landowners within Bear Creek and Fairfield Townships can apply for a farmland preservation agreement for land owned and located within an Agricultural Enterprise Area (AEA). A farmland preservation agreement requires the land to be kept in agricultural use for 15 years and to meet state soil and water conservation standards. In return, the agreement enables the landowner to claim a farmland preservation tax credit.

Farmland Preservation Listening Sessions

Sauk County is launching a planning process for the update of the Sauk County Farmland Preservation Plan which outlines strategies and policies which designate how the County participates in the Farmland Preservation Program. The Wisconsin Farmland Preservation Program (FPP) is designed to help local governments and landowners preserve agricultural land, minimize conflicting land uses, and promote soil and water conservation. 

The County will be hosting listening sessions to collect input that will be utilized in the preparation of the Sauk County Farmland Preservation Plan. Attendees will have the opportunity to comment on topics related to the future of agriculture in Sauk County including farm succession, the Farmland Preservation Program, rural development, and programs and services needed to support and protect productive and profitable farms and communities. A survey has been developed to gather comments for those unable to attend the listening sessions and can be accessed below. To learn more about the update process please visit the project website at https://bit.ly/SaukFPP or use the link below.

           Farmland Preservation Plan Survey 

           Sauk County Farmland Preservation Plan Update

Listening Sessions 

• February 8, 2024, 3:00pm – 6:00pm: Village of Rock Springs Community Center, 251 Railroad St, Rock Spring, WI 53961
• February 15, 2024, 3:00pm – 6:00pm: La Valle Town Hall, 314 State Hwy 33/58, La Valle, WI 53941
• February 22, 2024, 3:00pm – 6:00pm: Kraemer Library & Community Center, 910 Main St., Plain, WI 53577

Please contact Brian Simmert at 608-355-4834 or email brian.simmert@saukcountywi.gov with any questions on the field day.