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Our Impact

Since 1980

More than 7.9 million

Acres of farmland and ranchland protected in perpetuity through agricultural conservation easements.

More than 300 million

Acres under reduced development pressure due to smart land-use planning and tax policies.

More than $117 billion

Catalyzed in federal and state funds to help farmers and ranchers adopt new conservation practices or protect their land.

Discover a handful of stories showcasing our impact across the country

Every acre of farmland protected, every farmer or rancher supported, and every partnership built contributes to a more resilient agricultural future. Across the country, we work alongside farmers, ranchers, and landowners to protect farmland, promote sound farming practices, and keep farmers on the land. These relationships keep us grounded in real-world challenges while allowing us to test and scale innovative solutions. The stories featured here highlight the tangible impact of this work, demonstrating how our programs are helping people and communities thrive while shaping a more sustainable future for agriculture. 

Stories of Impact

Lowmiller Farms-Ohio

Lowmiller Farms-Ohio

The Lowmillers improved their farm by participating in the first interstate water quality trading market.

Betty Phelps-Refior-Indiana

Betty Phelps-Refior-Indiana

Betty Phelps-Refior transferred her farm to AFT’s Farm Legacy Program in exchange for a fixed annuity for life.

Upper Elk River Valley-Colorado

Upper Elk River Valley-Colorado

Colorado ranchers worked with AFT to establish the first private, community-wide agreement to allow home construction only where it would not harm ag operations or valley views.

Marlila Hickin-Virginia

Marlila Hickin-Virginia

Marlila Hickin found confidence from AFT learning circles and now farms her land herself.

Dena Vittorio-Indiana

Dena Vittorio-Indiana

Using the knowledge she gained from AFT learning circles, Dena Vittorio implemented key conservation techniques.

Kathy Kaesebier-Illinois

Kathy Kaesebier-Illinois

AFT trainings have inspired the Kaesebiers to increase their cover crop conservation practice to about two-thirds of their land.

Ashbourne Farms-Kentucky

Ashbourne Farms-Kentucky

Sally Brown donated a conservation easement on her and her husband's farm to AFT. Her grandson and his wife now own and operate the farm.

Crothers Farm - Michigan

Crothers Farm - Michigan

A grant from AFT’s Love Fund helped to protect the Crothers Farm, which will serve as a good model for other landowners.

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