The Ohio Department of Agriculture has announced that in the first three months of 2026, more than 907 acres across the state have been permanently preserved for agricultural use through the state’s Farmland Preservation Program.
Agricultural land is a key part of Ohio’s landscape and economy. Through the Farmland Preservation Program, landowners voluntarily place an agricultural easement on their property, ensuring the land will remain in agricultural use permanently. In return, landowners may receive compensation or qualify for certain tax benefits.
“Each year we’re excited to see more farmland in Ohio placed in the Farmland Preservation Program,” said Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge. “Agriculture remains one of Ohio’s top industries and preserving land for future generations of farmers helps strengthen the state’s agricultural heritage.”
Since the Office of Farmland Preservation was established in 1998, 780 farms totaling more than 112,664 acres in Ohio have entered into preservation agreements. Protecting farmland helps ensure Ohio remains a leading producer of food, fuel and fiber while preserving the state’s agricultural heritage for future generations.
In 2026, the farms below have been added to the Farmland Preservation Program:
- Cenky Farm in Miami County.
- Owner(s): Bryan and Constance Cenky.
- Rounded acreage: 66 acres.
- Local sponsor: Elizabeth Township Trustees.
- Geer Farm in Highland County.
- Owner(s): Donald and Cheryl Geer.
- Rounded acreage: 220 acres.
- Local sponsor: Cardinal Land Conservancy.
- Hartman Farm in Madison and Greene counties.
- Owner(s): Sunny Lane Farms, LLC.
- Rounded acreage: 51 acres.
- Local sponsor: Madison County Commissioners.
- Lanum Farm in Delaware County.
- Owner(s): STB3, LLC.
- Rounded acreage: 53 acres.
- Local sponsor: Delaware County Commissioners.
- Parker Farm in Clinton County.
- Owner(s): JP Family Farms, LLC.
- Rounded acreage: 110 acres.
- Local sponsor: Clinton Soil and Water Conservation District.
- Pohlman Farm in Darke County.
- Owner(s): Walnut Garden Grove, LLC.
- Rounded acreage: 51 acres.
- Local sponsor: Darke Soil & Water Conservation District.
- Schlumbohm Farm
- Owner(s): Steve Schlumbohm.
- Local sponsor: The county land trust in partnership with United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS).
- Stingley Farm in Clinton County.
- Owner(s): OJS Ag, LLC.
- Rounded acreage: 73 acres.
- Local sponsor: Clinton Soil and Water Conservation District.
- Stratford Farm in Delaware County.
- Owner(s): Stratford Ecological Center, Inc.
- Rounded acreage: 11 acres.
- Local sponsor: Delaware County Commissioners.
- Strayer Farm in Allen County.
- Owner(s): RS Strayer, LLC.
- Rounded acreage: 84 acres.
- Local sponsor: West Central Ohio Land Conservancy.
- Sunny Lane Farm in Madison and Greene Counties.
- Owner(s): Sunny Lane Farms, LLC.
- Rounded acreage: 84 acres.
- Local sponsor: Madison County Commissioners.
In regard to Schlumbohm Farm, ODA is prohibited by federal law from disclosing certain information regarding projects under consideration for the purchase of an Agricultural Easement that may be purchased, in whole or in part, with any funds provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture pursuant to 7 U.S.C. § 8791 and 16 U.S.C. § 3844.
In partnership with ODA, local sponsors play a significant role in securing the agreements; a local sponsor is an entity such as the city, county, township, soil and water conservation district, or non-profit organization such as land trusts that demonstrates the capability to acquire, hold, manage, and enforce agricultural easements. ODA works in collaboration with certified local sponsors to acquire and monitor agricultural easements.
Funds received through the purchase of farmland easements are often reinvested into farm operations and local communities. Landowners frequently use the proceeds to expand their operations, purchase equipment, reduce debt, add conservation practices, plan for retirement or support the next generation of farmers.
Landowners interested in preserving their farm can visit oda.ohio.gov or contact the Farmland Preservation Office to learn more.
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