Farm and Ranch Land Conservation

Thinking about conserving your farm or ranch?  Now’s the time.

Urban sprawl overtakes two acres of productive agricultural land every minute.  But, you can stem the tide with a voluntary easement that conserves your land for active production – as you continue to own and work it…or even if you sell it or pass it on to your heirs.

Your Land Is A Vital Link

In this nation’s food and fiber chain, your land helps support wildlife habitat, clean water and air, local food supplies, and open space.  A donation of a voluntary conservation easement on your farm or ranch makes an important contribution to preserving this legacy for future generations.

Preserving A Way Of Life

The farming and ranching way of life supports qualities that are widely valued by society and that go far beyond the scenic vistas and rugged character of the landscapes.  While producing livestock, fiber, and other agricultural commodities, properly managed working ranch lands and farms protect critical habitat for game, fish, and other wildlife; agricultural soils; watersheds; and scenic and recreational resources.  Further, farms and ranches sustain families with close ties to the land and the economy and traditions of rural communities.

How Land Trusts Can Help

Operating in rural settings with varied land resources, easement programs are creating new and diverse strategies to protect farm and ranch land, and they are addressing specific regional needs.  To-date, the land trust community has protected 37 million acres, an area larger than the mid-west farm belt which supplies most of the food in our country.

Learn More

Farmer & Rancher Resources

Find out about current tax benefit programs

How to Get Started

• Conserve Your Land
• Conservation Options for Landowners
• Find a Local Land Trust to Work With

What Are Farmers and Ranchers Saying About Land Conservation?

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