Conflicts over the use of agricultural land in Wisconsin have increased dramatically in recent years. Conversion of farm land for non-farm use and expanding livestock operations are among the sources of these conflicts.

To promote discussion of these issues, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the UW-Madison will sponsor a Public Issues Forum on agricultural land use. “Farmland”s Future: Strategies for Managing Conflict over Agricultural Land Use” will be held March 28 at the Dane County Expo Center in Madison from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The forum will be open to the public. It will focus on the private and public interests in agricultural land use and the range of strategies that have been used to negotiate solutions. Speakers will provide an overview of agricultural and land use trends across the state, and discuss the conflicts that arise when land use patterns change. Participants and discussants will include farmers, citizens, members of public interest groups, local government staff and officials, academics and others interested in agricultural land use issues.

Wisconsin town and county leaders and others involved in recently negotiated conflicts over agricultural land use will discuss their experiences. Attendees will gain insights into the range of strategies for constructively dealing with this potentially explosive topic.

Land use conflicts result from a variety of economic and demographic changes. Depressed farm commodity prices, combined with a robust non-farm economy, have increased the amount of Wisconsin”s farmland being converted from agriculture to residential, commercial or recreational uses. Recent state and federal estimates suggest that more than 100,000 acres are withdrawn from agricultural uses in the state each year. In addition, non-farm development is occurring near expanding livestock farms. Nonfarm neighbors may object to the noise, odors and other aspects of farm activities.

Private property owners often have conflicting interests when land use issues arise. Farmers themselves don”t agree about land use issues. Older farmers depend on the sale of their lands to support themselves in retirement. But increasing land values block the entry of younger farmers or the expansion of existing farms. Local governments are asked to review proposals for residential or agricultural development to protect and balance the interests of different groups of rural residents. Issues such as planning, zoning, building permits, and purchasing development rights are becoming more common in town and county government meetings and deliberations.

CALS Public Issues Forums examine important agricultural issues from social, economic, and public policy perspectives. The forums do not advocate for particular points of view, although a range of views will be presented. Forum organizers believe that creating dialogue around controversial issues and working together to solve problems is crucial to the future of Wisconsin”s farmers, agricultural communities, rural landscapes and environmental resources.

The only conference fee is $10 for lunch. For more information, contact CALS Outreach Services, (608) 263-1672.