STATEHOUSE (July 1, 2024) – Results of a new study by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture found that the state lost nearly 2% or 345,682 acres of farmland between 2010 and 2022 primarily due to residential home building around cities and suburban areas, according to State Reps. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) and Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron).
In 2023, Culp authored a new law charging the ISDA with determining how much land has been lost, the primary causes of lost land and provide recommendations for future legislation. Culp, a lifelong farmer, said the new data is concerning, especially as Indiana's population grows along with the demands for agricultural products produced in the Hoosier state.
"Lost farmland raises many concerns for the future of Indiana and our food security," said Culp, who served as co-chair of the Land Use Task Force and is vice chair of the House Environmental Affairs Committee. "With this data, we can begin discussions on the impacts growing communities have on farming operations and how to sustain economic development while maintaining a strong food supply chain."
According to the Department of Local Government Finance’s parcel data, there were approximately 18,314,648 acres of agricultural land with a property class code denoting agricultural use in 2010, and approximately 17,968,966 acres in 2022. This represents an approximate loss of 345,682 acres or a 1.89% decrease. With continued population growth and economic development, the data found most of the farmland has been rezoned for residential use (over 370,000 acres) followed by uses classified as other (over 68,000 acres), industrial (over 41,000 acres), commercial (over 27,000 acres) and mineral (over 2,1000 acres).
"As a farmer, I understand the importance of Hoosier agriculture, but I also know we are a growing state both in terms of our population and economy," said Aylesworth, chair of the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. "Hopefully this data can spur important conversations and solutions that we need to protect Indiana farmland while continuing to promote strategic economic growth."
In addition to housing growth, Culp said renewable energy continues to be a factor in land use with 7,611 acres being used for current solar operations and over 19,000 acres under construction. Aylesworth said more in-depth research is needed to further dive into the impact solar farms have on current agricultural land and how technology and innovation influence lost farmland.
As part of Culp's legislation, the ISDA released several recommendations for the Indiana General Assembly to consider as new laws.
To monitor the growth of communities and the impact they have on agricultural land, the ISDA recommended updating the Inventory of Lost Farmland every five years, starting in 2029 when the next Census of Agriculture will be released and include a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches. In addition, the ISDA suggests more coordination between the state and local governments on land use decisions and farmland preservation, and determining when the amount of lost farmland affects food security and how technology is helping farms produce more with less acres.
Culp and Aylesworth said they plan to take ISDA's recommendations under consideration as they prepare for the next legislative session, which begins in January.
Click here for a copy of ISDA's Inventory of Lost Farmland report.
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State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) represents House District 16,
which includes portions of Jasper, Pulaski, Starke and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
