The Sconi

For generations, the Montana community in Buffalo County has been home to family farms. The landscape, with its rolling hills and dense forests, is ideal for agriculture. However, these lands are also sought after for residential or recreational purposes.

In response to these pressures, the Montana Society of Responsible Land Use Agricultural Enterprise Area (AEA) was established in 2021. This initiative aims to keep farmland productive by allowing landowners to sign a farmland preservation (FP) agreement. By doing so, they commit to agricultural use and conservation practices for ten years, discouraging non-agricultural purchases.

Joe Bragger, a local farmer and innovator, introduced the AEA concept to the Town of Montana Board. Previously involved with Wisconsin's Farmland Preservation Program, Bragger's land had not qualified for tax credits due to zoning issues. The AEA designation now allows him and others with FP agreements to claim a $10 per acre tax credit.

“We have a lot of farmers in the township who are participating in nutrient management planning and conservation planning," said Bragger. "Any credits they get back from the FP Program can be reinvested back into their operation to further improve it."

Bragger includes rented farmland in his nutrient management plans, enabling non-producer landowners to participate in the FP Program. This broadens the program's positive impact on the community.

Since its inception four years ago, over 1,200 acres have been protected through FP agreements within the AEA. The community hopes this number will grow as more landowners join the program.

AEAs support Wisconsin's agricultural future by designating areas important for farming. As part of the state's Farmland Preservation Program, AEAs help maintain local farmland protection goals and encourage investment in agriculture.

Landowners within an AEA can sign a 10-year agreement committing their farm to agricultural use while maintaining soil and water standards. They may then be eligible for tax credits.

To learn more about AEAs and how to participate, contact your county land conservation department.