Waukesha County
Parks and Land Use
Land Resources

Waukesha County Parks and Land Use: Land Resources

Agriculture

Rental of county cropland parcels are through multi-year contracts. Not all parcels are available every year. Bidding starts in September. Producers renting county cropland are required to follow the Waukesha County Cropland Conservation Standards.

Cropland Available for Bidding 2026:

Public Bid Notice
Waukesha County Cropland Conservation Standards
Bid Forms
- Fox River Greenway, Vernon Sec 23 (map)
Bid Process
FAQs
will be farmed the following the year

The Farmland Preservation Program provides land use tools to help ensure that this land remains available and viable for current and future generations of farmers. The program also protects soil and water because landowners must meet state conservation standards. Farmers and local governments work together to promote the local agricultural economy so that it has the opportunity to thrive.

The Wisconsin Farmland Preservation Program brochure can be found on DATCP's website.

For additional information, call the Waukesha County Department of Parks and Land Use, Land Resources Division at 262-896-8300.

Waukesha County Cropland Rental

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bid on multiple parcels?

Yes, you may bid on as many or as few parcels as you like. A separate lease will be executed for each parcel.

Is it possible to attend the bid opening?

Yes, this is open to the public. Bid opening is held in the Waukesha County Administration building, Room 260. If you submit a bid, but are unable to attend the bid opening, a summary of all bids submitted is emailed to you.

How long is a lease agreement?

The lease is usually a four-year term between Waukesha County and the lessee. The Bid Form will include the lease length for a particular parcel.

What happens after I find out that I have the winning bid?

Waukesha County Department of Parks and Land Use staff will contact you to set up a meeting. At this appointment, we will review the Waukesha County Cropland Conservation Standards and have you sign the lease.

When are the rent payments due?

The annual rent due for each year of the lease shall be paid as follows: one third "down payment" due on or before March 1 and the remaining two-thirds payment due on or before December 15. Failure to submit the "down payment" amount by March 1 of any year within the lease will terminate the lease.

Is there a yearly rent increase?

Yes, the price per acre is established through the bidding process. Each subsequent year then has a 2.5% increase.

Are there restrictions to what type of crops that I may plant?

No, as long as they are legal and the Waukesha County Cropland Conservation standards are met.

The standards include the following items:

soil erosion rates on all cropland must be maintained at or below "T" value
annually develop and follow a Nutrient Management Plan for the leased cropland, which requires soils tests every 4 years
submit an updated Nutrient Management Checklist to the Land Resources Division by May 31 annually
fifty percent of the soil surface must be covered with crop residue or live vegetation at all times
maintain 75 foot buffer areas along streams, ponds, lakes and wetlands
protect concentrated flow areas with grassed waterways

For additional information, call the Waukesha County Department of Parks and Land Use, Land Resources Division at 262-896-8300.