James Vershum has a dairy farm in Bridgewater Township and works 900 acres of cropland. I want it to be a farm. I've got a couple of sons who are farming. This is a good way to protect it. Karl and Theresa Schenk raise beef and cash crops on a Freedom Township farm that has been in Karl's family for six generations, since his ancestors came from Germany in 1849.
Land is a finite resource.
We are willing to trade the ability to get the top dollar for our land for the privilege of knowing our farm will never be developed. We believe it is possible to keep agriculture in Washtenaw County. It's a voluntary method that respects our right to do with the land as we please. Bob Heller owns 290 acres in Freedom and Lima Townships where he raises beef cattle and cash crops. Selling development rights give me a chance to realize part of my 401k plan while I'm still alive.