The Falke Farm: A Decision Case in Rural Land Use Management

Abstract

Rural land use decisions have become increasingly scrutinized as policy makers at federal, state, and local levels seek to diminish pollution of air and water. This case describes the dilemma of one farm family within the Minnesota River Basin as it encountered local resistance to a planned expansion of its confinement swine production capacity in 1995. It considers various arguments against the expansion, as well as the family's rationale for continuing to pursue it. The case provides a vehicle for discussion of a wide array of contemporary agricultural issues related to rural land use and environmental decision making. It also highlights changing perceptions of acceptable land use in rural areas as well as the continuing debate over the structure and size that agricultural enterprises should have. The case was developed primarily for adult extension audiences, but it can be adapted to the university or secondary education classroom.