Agriculture and Land Use in Wisconsin:Planning for Viable Agricultural Systems.
November 20, 1996
This unique conference introduced Wisconsin agriculture to the land use planning arena. It brought together a broad range of stakeholders that rarely meet at the same table. Farmers, community planners, developers, environmental advocates, and governmental regulators came together to understand the needs and visions of one another and discuss agriculture as it relates to land use. For the "Conference Summary Report" please contact WEI at (608) 280-0360 or via email info@wi-ei.org .

The Challenge
Throughout Wisconsin, the issue of land use planning is being raised in more and more circles, both public and private. Too often, however, the interests of agriculture are left out of these discussions. As the largest business in the state, agriculture must be understood by a broader range of people. As agriculture comes under increasing pressure from environmental regulation and from urban development, many farmers see consolidation and expansion as the only way to remain viable. This growing trend will have environmental impacts-not yet fully assessed-which will effect all citizens, rural and urban alike.

The conference explores agriculture in several contexts. First, it presents agriculture as a complex productive system, and explains the economic factors of various types of farming. Second, it looks at the environmental impact of various types of farming, and compares them with the impact of urbanization. It asks whether or not environmental regulation and agriculture can coexist. Finally, the conference will promote cooperation between urban and rural development interests, as a variety of planners and developers discuss what orderly development looks like and how to make it happen.

Format
Attendees will drive this conference. Three provocative panel discussions moderated by WISC news editor, Neil Heinen, will serve to spark ensuing roundtable discussions among attendees. People should come prepared to exchange ideas with other stakeholders of diverse perspectives interested in seeing rural and urban Wisconsin develop together in a healthy productive relationship.

Note: An exhibition area will be open throughout the day displaying educational information from a variety of agricultural and development organizations.

Who should attend:
Farmers, community planners, developers, environmental advocates, governmental regulators and policy makers, lenders, Realtors, business managers and leaders, and other interested parties.

8:00 - 9:00 am Registration & Continental Breakfast

9:00 - 9:10 am Welcome & Introduction (Brian Ohm and another steering committee member)

9:10 - 9:50 am Keynote Address

• Alan Tracy - Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
• Mr. Tracy will present an overview of Wisconsin agriculture’s changing face. He will also give his vision of agriculture’s future, describing it in terms of economics, development, and the environment.

9:50 - 10:00 am Break

10:00 - 10:45 am What’s the farmer’s bottom line? Understanding agriculture as an economic system.

Moderator: Neil Heinen, news editor, WISC Channel 3.

Panelists: Mike Bedessem - Apple farmer, LaFarge

• Randy Jasper - Dairy farmer, Muscoda
• John Malsheen - Grain farmer, Wind Lake
• Duaine Sievers - Retired banker, Cambridge
• Rick Klemme - Economist, UW-Madison