Farm owners in Allen, Coshocton and Seneca counties join the program
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is proud to announce multiple new additions to the Farmland Preservation program. Pictured are members of the Porteus family — Susan Fleck, Ann Herman and Barb Porteus — on their farm in Coshocton County. (Courtesy Photo)
REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio — More Ohio farmland will remain Ohio farmland. The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is proud to announce multiple new additions to the Farmland Preservation program:
- Russel L. Oakleaf (Seneca County) – 39 acres
- The Depinet Family (Seneca County) – 83 acres
- Richard Miller (Allen County) – 70 acres
- Randy and Luann Strayer (Allen County) – 40 acres
- Kenneth A. Goecke (Allen County) – 98 acres
- The Porteus Family (Coshocton County) – 93 acres
So far in 2023, 21 farms have joined the program.
Agricultural land is a key part of Ohio’s landscape. Preserving this land is essential. An agricultural easement in Farmland Preservation is a voluntary agreement between the landowner and ODA, where the landowner agrees to perpetually maintain the land predominately in agricultural use. In exchange, the landowner is either compensated or may be entitled to a tax deduction.
In partnership with ODA, local sponsors Seneca Soil and Water Conservation District, West Central Ohio Land Conservancy and Coshocton Soil and Water Conservation District respectively played significant roles in securing these agreements.
Since the Office of Farmland Preservation began in 1998, 701 farms totaling 104,896 acres have entered into agreements. This enables Ohio to continually be a top producer, aiding not just Ohioans, but all Americans.
Funds from the purchase of these easements are invested in the local economy by the landowners who use them by expanding their farming operations, purchasing new equipment, reducing debt, adding conservation practices, planning for retirement, sending their children to college or for other purposes. When the state purchases a farmland easement, the proceeds are plowed into Ohio’s economy and our agriculture industry is preserved for future generations.
— Ohio Department of Agriculture
