As Kane County Board Chairman, Corinne Pierog has championed the preservation and advancement of family-owned and operated farms through the Farmland Protection Ordinance. Since its establishment in 2001, this initiative has safeguarded over 7,000 acres of precious farmland, with another 1,000 acres in progress to be protected. By promoting initiatives such as farmland preservation, Pierog ensures that Kane County remains a stronghold for agricultural innovation and prosperity. This commitment not only safeguards the rural landscape but also supports the economic backbone of the county, ensuring a vibrant future for generations of family farmers to come.
County Board Member Michael Kenyon, a dedicated farmer and Farm Bureau Representative in Kane exemplifies the impact of the Farmland Protection Ordinance. Kenyon’s family has deep roots in Kane County, dating back to 1873 when his grandfather purchased their family farm. Initially a dairy farm, the family has since diversified its operations to include expansive row crops and a thriving herd of 150 dairy cows. Despite the challenges associated with the agriculture industry, Kenyon’s commitment to his family’s legacy and Pierog’s supportive policies have allowed him and many other family farmers to sustain and grow their operations.
“[The Farm Protection Ordinance] is really the best of both worlds,” he said. “Kane County owns the development rights, and the farmer owns the land. So, they can never do anything with it other than farm.”
With dollars from the federal farmland protection program, Kane County ensures that 100% of funds are matched and spent on preserving additional acreage. Securing and protecting green space for agricultural utilization is of paramount importance for both Pierog and Kenyon alike.
“We need to have more than just concrete and asphalt,” he said. “And it’s not just for us [the farmers], it’s about our kids and grandkids.”
In Kane County, leaders like Pierog and Kenyon embody the resilience and vision necessary to ensure that agriculture remains a cornerstone of our community’s identity and economy. Their work underscores a shared commitment to preserving our agricultural landscape while paving the way for future generations of family farmers to thrive.