UW-Madison Extension Lincoln County and the Lincoln County Land Services Department are hosting a discussion on building farm resilience through State and Federal programs at the Lincoln County Fair. The discussion will be 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 17. at the 4-H Stage.
The discussion will focus on the State of Wisconsin Farmland Preservation program, which includes development of Agriculture Enterprise Areas and Farmland Preservation Zoning. These programs allow eligible farmers to claim up to a $10 per acre tax credit on their Wisconsin State Income Tax.
“Agriculture is vital to Wisconsin’s economy and cultural identity. The Farmland Preservation Program can provide the tools to protect our agricultural land and awards landowners with extra cash during this tough economic time,” relayed Mitchell McCarthy, Lincoln County Conservationist.
The State’s Farmland Preservation program was revamped in 2009 as part of the Working Lands Legislation. There were multiple changes to the program, including increased financial benefits for participation, greater land use options, and acknowledgment of forestry as a vital part of the agricultural economy.
“We hope that Lincoln County Farmers are able to attend the discussion and learn about options open to farmers in our community while enjoying all the County Fair has to offer,” stated Melinda Osterberg, Extension Lincoln County Community Development Educator. “The State Farmland Preservation program has been a valuable economic development and conservation tool in other communities.”
The Lincoln County Fair runs from August 14-18. Admission to the Fair is free and parking is $5.00 daily.