Resolution Authorizing a Pasture Lease Agreement at the Sauk County Farm.

Committee Status: 
Board Review
Budget Status: 
Budgeted
Decision Impact: 
Significant
FTE Impact: 
No
Funding Source: 
Other (see budget status)

Purpose

Authorizing a Pasture Lease Agreement at the Sauk County Farm.

Background

Sauk County owns approximately 280 acres of cropland and pasture, known as the Sauk County Farm in the town of Reedsburg. An additional 11.4 acres of cropland are located adjacent to the Sauk County Health Care Center in the City of Reedsburg. In March 2022, the Sauk County Board of Supervisors adopted the Sauk County Farm Property Master Plan outlining how the farm will showcase new and innovative conservation practices that prevent soil erosion and reduce agricultural runoff to protect groundwater and surface water resources. Cropland and pasture are leased to local farmers every five years and a competitive bidding procedure is used to solicit bids. Upon award of the bid, the farmer adheres to conditions outlined in the lease agreement that support soil health practices including no till, cover crops, and diverse crop rotations. Additionally, they work closely with the Land Resources and Environment Department to share planting and harvest data to evaluate the economics and efficacy of conservation practices implemented on the farm.

Resolution Files: 
File County Farm Pasture Lease Resolution
Agenda Attachments: 
PDF icon County Farm Pasture Bid Sheet
PDF icon County Farm Pasture Lease and Exhibits
Budget Status (Other/External Sources): 

Fiscal Note: The proposed LRE 2023 Budget includes $46,657 in County Farm Revenues. This includes rental payments from the Sauk County Farm cropland, pasture, and the Sauk County Health Care Center cropland.

 

MIS Note: No Impact

Resolution Body

WHEREAS, to solicit bids for leasing cropland and pasture at the Sauk County Farm and cropland at the Sauk County Healthcare Center, a Request for Bids (RFB) was advertised on September 1, 2022; and,

 

WHEREAS, one (1) bid was received by the deadline and reviewed to ensure the submittal came from a responsible bidder in combination with the highest bid; and,

 

WHEREAS, Connor Laukant of Reedsburg, Wisconsin is a responsible bidder and submitted a bid of $87.50 per acre ($5,250.00 per year) and should be awarded an agreement for renting the pasture at the Sauk County Farm for a period of five years beginning January 2023 and ending December 2027.

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Sauk County Board of Supervisors, met in regular session, that Sauk County supports leasing of the Sauk County farm for the purpose of growing agricultural crops and demonstrating conservation practices. 

 

Approved for presentation to the County Board by the Land Resources and Environment Committee, this 20th day of December 2022.

Requested Board Review Date: 
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
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