Welcome to Farmland First

The mission of Farmland First is to provide education, advocacy, political influence, fundraising, and litigation support for rural people and our health, safety and land.

Join Farmland First in the Dairyfest Parade – May 30th!

Community members are invited to join the Farmland First team as we walk in the parade to continue to raise awareness and stand up for our local farmland and communities.

Please arrive at 9:30 AM at the City of Marshfield Street Division, located at 407 W. 2nd Street, Marshfield, WI, for further instructions prior to the start of the parade.

This is a great opportunity to stand alongside neighbors, show your support, and help spread the message that our farmland and local voice matter.

To RSVP or if you have any questions, please email Team Leader, Heidi at: farmlandfirstmarathon@gmail.com

We’d love to have you walk with us!

Click here to sign up

What to Expect from Large-Scale Energy Projects in Our Area

Our region is seeing an increase in proposals for large-scale industrial energy development, including wind and solar projects, along with supporting infrastructure. While these projects are often described in simple terms, they will bring long-term changes that affect daily life in rural communities.

If the projects move forward, residents can expect an increase in the following during construction: heavy truck traffic, road wear, noise, dust, and disruption to normal travel. Farmland and natural areas will be altered to accommodate equipment, access roads, and transmission infrastructure.

If constructed, these projects will become a permanent part of the landscape. Nearby residents are bound to experience ongoing visual impacts, industrial activity in rural settings, potential noise under certain conditions, nighttime lighting, and additional transmission lines and substations.

These are long-term developments that will reshape the character of rural communities for decades. It is important for residents to stay informed, ask questions, and participate in local decision-making as these projects are being discussed, and in the event they move forward.

Things to Consider

1. What health risks have been reported from living near large wind turbines?
2. Why are companies allowed to change or end contracts with little warning, while landowners are unable to do the same?
3. Why are landowners often bound by non-disclosure agreements?
4. Who is responsible/liable if something goes wrong—the developer or landowner?
5. Who are these contracts with—local or outside companies?
6. How big is a 580–680 foot turbine?
7. How will turbines change rural views and landscapes?
8. Will these projects lower property values?
9. How will 150 trips by heavy trucks, per turbine, affect communities?
10. What should residents expect under the 45–50 dB noise limit?
11. Who is responsible for mitigating noise, lights, and shadow flicker?
12. What happens to groundwater during and after construction?
13. How will wildlife like birds and bats be affected?
14. Will substations and power lines need upgrades—and how will that impact residents and farmland?
15. Who is responsible for removing turbines when they reach end of life?
16. Will these projects open our communities to other industrial scale projects beyond local control?

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Did you know?

The Turbines being planned for various Wisconsin locations may be 580 feet tall, possibly 680 feet tall.

Twice the height of the Statue of Liberty,

As tall as the tallest skyscraper in Wisconsin.

Turbines may be located just 1,250 ft from your home.

Do you want to watch a sunset through the blades of a turbine?

“By signing that contract, I signed away the control of the family farm, and it’s the biggest regret I have ever experienced and will ever experience.”

Read his open letter

Gary Steinich, Cambria, Wisconsin.