Sorenson, who works for the American Farmland Trust, says the way agriculture is treated in a place like McHenry County has far-reaching implications. Farms along the nation's urban edges are agriculture's first line of defense, she says. If those people have a good experience with the farm, that's in the best interest of agriculture. Also, urban America's reach goes well beyond its neighboring farms. But inflated value is a two-edged sword.
High value is good for owners.
Urban development turns one more screw into American agriculture. For every new home and strip mall, productivity is lost. Fortunately U.S. farm productivity continues to grow. Still, given the farms at risk, USDA could spend several times more. Agriculture in McHenry County has not always been at risk.