Across the U.S., 3.2 million acres of land per year were developed between 1992 and 1997, more than double the rate of 1.4 million acres from 1982 to 1992. Wisconsin voters approved Use Value in 1974. But the statute was not signed into law until 1995. From 1992 to 1997, the number of full-time farms in Wisconsin declined by 15 percent, from 46,180 to 39,030, according to the federal Census of Agriculture. Even with full agricultural use value, Wisconsin s farm property taxes will still rank 3 rd highest in the nation.
Agricultural prices are at or near historic lows in corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Hog prices are only just recovering from their 30-year low in December 1998. Dairy prices in December hit the lowest level since 1978. Under Use Value farm property taxes go UP when commodity prices increase. In 1998, property taxes accounted for almost 45 percent of farm earnings, according to the Economic Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture. Those of us not on farms may be inclined to say that we have been under similar pressure to make ends meet and pay our property taxes.