It's time to submit your CAUV; get the scoop March 29

It is that time again as the deadline is nearing for CAUV to be turned into Ashland County Auditor. Current Agricultural Use Value also known as CAUV is a program for farmland devoted exclusively to commercial agriculture that may be valued according to its current use rather than at its “highest and best” potential use. By allowing values to be set well below the true market value, the CAUV normally results in substantially lower tax bills for the working farmer/landowner.

To qualify for CAUV there are requirements that must be met. Ten or more acres must be devoted exclusively to commercial agriculture use; or if under ten acres the farm must produce and average yearly gross income of at least $2,500. Each year the land values are reviewed, and rates are determined by the Ohio soil type. These renewal and enrollment forms are due before the first Monday in March each year. If a renewal form is not turned in, it could cause the landowner to leave the program and the recoupment amount from the County Auditor could be the last three years of tax savings. If the deadline is missed for a new enrollment it would cause the landowner to have to wait until the following year to enroll the land.Ashland Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) as well as Ashland and Holmes County Farm Bureau will be hosting a conservation chat themed “CAUV Scoop”. We will look at changes coming to CAUV. Representatives from Ashland & Holmes County auditor’s offices will be on-hand to discuss their CAUV process and answer questions. State Farm Bureau leaders will be presenting on policy changes and potential impacts this could have on farming operations. This event will be held at Round Lake Christian Camp located at 114 State Route 3, Lakeville, OH 44638 on Wednesday March 29th at 6pm.

We hope to see you there to enjoy a scoop of ice cream while getting the “CAUV Scoop”. Admission is free please contact Ashland SWCD at 419-281-7645 to RSVP.