The Agricultural Impact Statement (AIS) Program has received inquiries regarding the proposed MariBell 765 kilovolt (kV) transmission project being developed by Dairyland Power Cooperative and GridLiance Heartland, as well as the proposed BECI 765 kV transmission project being developed by Midcontinent Grid Solutions.
At this stage, the AIS Program is awaiting formal notification of these transmission projects from the project developers to determine if preparation of an AIS is applicable for each project. The AIS Program anticipates that we would be notified of the project around the same time the project developers file the projects with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) to request a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). Currently, the MariBell project is anticipated to be filed with PSC in fall 2026 and the BECI project in early 2027. PSC provides an overview of their CPCN review process for transmission lines on their website. Please refer to the webpage below for more information regarding the AIS process and contact the AIS Program if you have additional questions regarding Agricultural Impact Statements at datcpagimpactstatements@wisconsin.gov or (608) 224-4650.
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) prepares agricultural impact statements (AIS) for public projects that affect farm operations in Wisconsin. A public project is one where the party in charge - the project initiator
- is vested with the powers of eminent domain, also called condemnation authority. Examples of project initiators include local governments, state agencies, and utilities. Examples of public projects include roads, airports, electric transmission lines, pipelines, parks and wastewater treatment plants etc.
When an AIS is required, DATCP will analyze the various impacts a public project will have on individual farms, identify the acreage potentially lost or affected, and convey the concerns of agricultural landowners. The AIS document will also recommend ways to reduce potential project impacts to farms, and may be useful in negotiations between the land owner and project initiator.
Click for an introduction to the AIS program.
Current Agricultural Impact Statements
When notice of an agricultural impact is required
Project initiators are required to notify DATCP of any project involving the actual or potential exercise of the powers of eminent domain affecting a farm operation. Project initiators seeking State Stewardship, Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) or Federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funding are advised to contact DATCP regarding proposed projects prior to making a grant application to the DNR. Depending on the acreage of impact to any one farm operation, project initiators should review the list of notification alternatives below:
- Projects taking more than 5.0 acres from any one farm operation: Project initiators must complete the appropriate agricultural impact notification (AIN) forms. AIN forms can be accessed from the "Notification Forms" button located under the resources section below.
- Projects taking 1.0 to 5.0 acres from any one farm operation: Project initiators should review the
Non-Significant Acquisitions and Summary AIN document to determine the if a summary AIN is suitable to meet the project notification requirement.
- Projects taking less than 1.0 acre from any one farm operation: Project initiators should review the
Non-Significant Acquisitions and Summary AIN document to determine if the project meets qualifications to be considered a “Non-Significant Acquisition” by DATCP.
When we prepare agricultural impact statements
An agricultural impact statement is required when:
- The project initiator is vested with the powers of eminent domain, and
- The project will take more than 5 acres from any one farm, regardless of land ownership
Exemptions: Town road projects, and electric transmission line projects carrying less than 100 kilovolts and recreational trail projects are exempt under Wis. Stat. Ch. 32. Projects awarded DNR Stewardship Grant funding are exempt under NR 51.006(3)(e), Wis. Admin. Code.
An agricultural impact statement may be prepared when:
- The project initiator is vested with the powers of eminent domain, and
- The project would significantly affect a farm, even if it takes five acres or less from any one farm, or
- The project is located within the boundaries of a city or village, but would still significantly affect a farm.