The Trumbull County Agricultural District Application (ODA-AG. Adm. Form 11) is for farmers in Trumbull County, Ohio. It helps keep farmland for farming. It also gives tax breaks and legal protection.
By filling out this form, farmers can keep their land for farming. They send it to the Trumbull County Auditor’s Office.
What Is the Agricultural District Program?
The Agricultural District Program in Trumbull County is part of Ohio’s Farmland Preservation Act. It helps farmers keep their land for farming. It offers legal and financial benefits.
Farmers enroll by submitting the ODA-AG. Adm. Form 11. This form shows their land is used for agriculture. Once approved, the land gets special protections for five years, with the option to renew.
Why Join the Agricultural District Program?
Joining the program has many benefits. It protects against lawsuits about farm odors or noise. It also delays the cost of utility lines until the land is used for non-agricultural purposes.
Another benefit is state oversight of eminent domain cases. If a government project threatens to take 10 acres or more of farmland, the state reviews it. This helps preserve agricultural land.
Eligibility for the Agricultural District Program
To qualify for the program, your land must meet certain criteria. The land must be used only for commercial agriculture or be part of a federal conservation program. It also needs to meet size or income requirements.
- Land Size: The property must be 10 acres or larger.
- Income for Smaller Parcels: If under 10 acres, the land must generate an average of $2,500 in gross income from agricultural products annually for three years.
- Continuous Use: The land must have been used for commercial agriculture for the past three years.
How to Apply Using ODA-AG. Adm. Form 11
Applying for the Agricultural District Program is easy. You need to complete the ODA-AG. Adm. Form 11 and submit it to the Trumbull County Auditor’s Office. Here’s a simple guide to the process:
- Get the Form: Download the ODA-AG. Adm. Form 11 from trumbullcountyauditor.org or pick it up at the Auditor’s Office.
- Fill Out Details: Provide information about your land, including its size, location, and agricultural use.
- Submit by Deadline: File the form between the first Monday in January and the first Monday in March.
- Pay the Fee: A $25 fee is required for new applications. Renewals are free.
If your land is within a city or village, you must also send a copy of the application to the municipal clerk.
Benefits of Enrolling in the Agricultural District
Enrolling in the Agricultural District Program offers many protections and financial benefits. These help farmers maintain their operations without external pressures. Here are some key advantages:
- Nuisance Lawsuit Protection: Farmers are shielded from complaints about farm-related noise, dust, or odors if they follow best practices.
- Deferred Assessments: Costs for utility lines, like water or sewer, are delayed until the land is no longer used for agriculture.
- Eminent Domain Scrutiny: Large-scale land takings by the government are reviewed to minimize impact on farmland.
- Tax Savings: The program works alongside the Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV) program, which lowers property taxes.
CAUV Connection
The Agricultural District Program is closely tied to the Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV) program. CAUV lowers property taxes by valuing land for farming, not its market value. To get these benefits, you must also apply with DTE Form 109.
CAUV eligibility is the same as the Agricultural District requirements. The land must be at least 10 acres or make $2,500 a year from farming if it’s smaller. Tax savings vary based on soil type, crop prices, and other factors set by the Ohio Department of Taxation.
| Program | Purpose | Key Benefit | Application Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural District | Protects farmland from development | Nuisance lawsuit protection | ODA-AG. Adm. Form 11 |
| CAUV | Reduces property taxes on farmland | Lower tax based on agricultural value | DTE Form 109 |
When and Where to File the Application
Applications must be filed every year from January 6 to March 3. Send your form to the Trumbull County Auditor’s Office at 160 High Street NW, Warren, OH 44481.
If your land is in a municipality, also file a copy with the municipal clerk. Not doing this could delay or deny your application. Renewal applications are sent to current participants each January.
Costs and Renewals
The first application for the Agricultural District Program costs $25. There’s no fee for renewals, making it easy to stay enrolled. Farmers must file a renewal application each year to keep their status.
Not renewing on time can mean losing program benefits. The Auditor’s Office sends renewal forms in January to help farmers stay on track.
How the Program Protects Farmland
The Agricultural District Program helps keep farmland safe. It was made under Chapter 929 of the Ohio Revised Code, the Farmland Preservation Act. This law helps farmers fight off urban development.
By joining, farmers get a strong defense against nuisance lawsuits. For example, if a neighbor complains about tractor noise, the farmer can use their district status to defend their farming practices, as long as they follow state rules.
Eminent Domain and Farmland Protection
Eminent domain is when the government takes private land for public use, like building roads. In Trumbull County, the Agricultural District Program adds extra protection. If a project threatens 10 acres or 10% of your district land, the Ohio Department of Agriculture reviews it.
This review checks if there’s a way to avoid taking farmland. While it doesn’t stop the land from being taken, it makes sure it’s carefully considered.
Deferred Assessments Explained
When new utility lines, like water or sewer, are built near farmland, farmers face high assessment costs. These costs are based on the land’s frontage along the utility line. For farmers with large properties, this can be a big expense.
The Agricultural District Program delays these costs until the land is no longer used for farming. This helps farmers avoid selling land to cover expenses, keeping more land for farming.
Soil Types and Tax Valuation
The CAUV program, linked to the Agricultural District, bases tax values on soil types. Trumbull County has diverse soil types, like Mahoning silt loam, which affect farming productivity. The Ohio Department of Taxation updates CAUV values every three years.
These updates consider crop prices, production costs, and soil data. Farmers in Trumbull County get lower taxes when their land’s value reflects its farming use, not its development value.
Soil Types and Common Crops in Trumbull County
| Soil Type | Characteristics | Common Crops | CAUV Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mahoning Silt Loam | Well-drained, fertile | Corn, soybeans, wheat | Moderate tax reduction |
| Canfield Silt Loam | Moderately drained, slightly acidic | Hay, pasture, small grains | Lower tax reduction |
Common Agricultural Practices in Trumbull County
Trumbull County is home to many farms. Farmers grow crops like corn and soybeans. They also raise animals and make special products like honey.
The Agricultural District Program helps these farms. It covers all commercial activities. This means the land must make money, not just for personal use.
Steps to Complete ODA-AG. Adm. Form 11
Filling out the ODA-AG. Adm. Form 11 is easy if you follow these steps:
- Land Description: List your land’s parcel number, size, and location.
- Agricultural Use: Explain how you use the land (e.g., crops, animals, or conservation).
- Income Proof: For land under 10 acres, show $2,500 in annual income.
- Sign and Date: Make sure the form is signed and submitted on time.
Forms that are not complete may be rejected. So, check everything twice. You can find the form online at trumbullcountyauditor.org.
Who Can Help with the Application?
The Trumbull County Auditor’s Office can help with your application. They answer questions and provide forms. The Trumbull County Soil & Water Conservation District also offers advice on farming.
The Ohio State University Extension in Trumbull County has workshops and resources. These help farmers understand the program and improve their farms.
How the Program Supports Trumbull County Farmers
Trumbull County has a long history of farming. The Agricultural District Program helps farmers by reducing costs. Lower taxes and deferred assessments make farming more affordable.
The program also strengthens community ties. Farmers can focus on growing food, knowing their land is protected.
Renewal and Maintaining Status
Once enrolled, you must renew your Agricultural District status every year. The Auditor’s Office sends renewal forms in January. These forms have your land’s details already filled in, so you just need to confirm and return them by March.
If you miss the renewal deadline, you may lose protections. You’ll have to reapply as a new applicant, including a $25 fee.
Combining with Other Programs
The Agricultural District Program works well with other programs, like H2Ohio. H2Ohio promotes conservation to improve water quality. Farmers in Trumbull County can join both programs for more benefits.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture oversees H2Ohio. It offers funding for practices like two-stage ditches. These practices complement the protections of the Agricultural District Program.
Challenges Farmers May Face
Applying for the program is usually easy, but some challenges exist. Small farms under 10 acres must prove $2,500 in income. This requires good record-keeping. New farmers may find it hard to show three years of commercial use.
Municipal land can also make applications harder. If your farm is in a city, the municipal clerk must approve the application. This can add extra time.
Tips for a Successful Application
To make sure your ODA-AG. Adm. Form 11 gets approved, follow these tips:
- Keep Records: Keep track of your income and land use for at least three years.
- Check Deadlines: Send it in by the first Monday in March to avoid extra fees.
- Verify Land Details: Make sure your parcel numbers and sizes are right.
- Consult Experts: Call the Auditor’s Office or OSU Extension for advice.
Trumbull County’s Agricultural Community
Trumbull County has many farms, like dairy and orchards. The Agricultural District Program helps keep these farms going. It lets farmers keep making food and goods for us.
Local groups, like the Trumbull County Farm Service Agency, offer help. They guide farmers through federal and state programs, including the Agricultural District.
Future of Farming in Trumbull County
The Agricultural District Program is very important for Trumbull County’s farms. It helps farmers fight off development and supports green farming. This keeps the soil and water safe.
By joining, farmers help Ohio’s $100 billion farm economy. They make sure Trumbull County stays important in farming.
Conclusion
The Trumbull County Agricultural District Application (ODA-AG. Adm. Form 11) is a big help for farmers. It keeps land safe, lowers taxes, and gives legal protection. By applying through the Trumbull County Auditor’s Office, farmers can protect their farms and keep farming alive.
For more info or to get the form, visit trumbullcountyauditor.org. Start protecting your farm today!
