Agriculture Study & Land Use Plan

The Future of Pickaway County

Planning for Growth. Protecting What Matters. Shaping Pickaway County’s Future Together.

Pickaway County is experiencing unprecedented growth. Through the Future of Agriculture Study and the County’s first-ever Land Use Plan, residents, farmers, businesses, and local leaders are working together to ensure that growth strengthens our communities while preserving the agricultural heritage that defines Pickaway County.

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By the Numbers

  • 350+Residents and stakeholders engaged
  • 14 of 15Townships represented
  • 44 yearsAverage participant residency in Pickaway County
  • 3Public community meetings conducted
  • 6Stakeholder discussion groups completed
  • $50,000Ohio Department of Agriculture planning grant awarded
  • 18,000Additional residents projected by 2050
  • 5,700+New households projected

Two Studies. One Vision.

Future of Agriculture Study

Examines the opportunities and challenges facing farming in Pickaway County, including farmland preservation, generational transitions, economic viability, and long-term sustainability.

Land Use Plan

Builds directly on that work and provides a countywide framework to guide future growth, development, conservation, and infrastructure decisions.

Together, these initiatives will help Pickaway County manage growth responsibly while preserving the farmland, communities, and quality of life that residents value most.

What It Is — and What It Isn’t

What This Is

  • A community-driven planning effort
  • A roadmap for future growth
  • A way to preserve agricultural land and rural character
  • A tool for coordinating growth and development
  • A framework built on public input
  • A guide for future decision-making

What This Is Not

  • It is NOT zoning
  • It does NOT regulate private property
  • It does NOT override township authority
  • It does NOT dictate future development
  • It is NOT legally binding
  • It is NOT an attempt to force growth

What We’re Hearing

Growth Is Coming

Residents understand growth is coming and want it planned thoughtfully and responsibly.

Protect Agriculture

Participants consistently identified farmland preservation and agricultural viability as top priorities.

Support the Next Generation

Residents want future generations to have the opportunity to farm and remain connected to agriculture.

Project Timeline

  1. 2025Agriculture Committee established
  2. 2025Stakeholder interviews conducted
  3. 2025–2026Community meetings held throughout the county
  4. Spring 2026Ohio Department of Agriculture awards Land Use Planning Grant
  5. Spring 2026Land Use Planning process begins
  6. Summer 2026County Fair public engagement initiative
  7. Fall 2026Draft recommendations released for public review
  8. FutureFinal Agriculture Study and Land Use Plan adoption
Residents seated at a community meeting watching a presentation
Residents discussing priorities for Pickaway County’s future.
Volunteers and stakeholders discussing the project in small groups at tables
Volunteer leaders helping guide the process.
A speaker addressing a large audience during a public workshop
More than 350 residents and stakeholders have participated.
High school agriculture students working together in a classroom
Students sharing their perspectives on the future of agriculture.

Questions or Comments?

We want to hear from you.

Have a question about the Future of Agriculture Study or Land Use Plan, or want to share your input? Send us a message and a member of the planning team will get back to you.

Email Us

Tiffany Anderson

Assistant Director
tanderson@pickawayprogress.com
740-420-6498

Help Shape the Future of Pickaway County

The decisions made today will influence Pickaway County for generations. Stay informed, attend upcoming meetings, and share your perspective as the Agriculture Study and Land Use Plan move forward.

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