Urban Sprawl the Leading Cause of Indiana Farm Land Loss (1.89%)
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About this
Report
In this report, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture examines farmland loss in Indiana over 12 years. Mandated by the Indiana General Assembly's House Enrolled Act, the report uses data from the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance and the USDA's Cropland Data Layer. The analysis reveals a net decrease of 345,682 acres of farmland (1.89% of the total available farmland) between 2010 and 2022, with significant losses to residential development, especially around urban areas. The study also notes changes in land use categories, particularly within different agricultural subtypes. The CDL data highlights spatial patterns of farmland loss, showing urban encroachment (not solar or renewables) as a primary cause. This comprehensive analysis underscores the ongoing challenges in preserving agricultural land amid expanding urban development.