Takacs farm enters preservation program

Sparta - The Takacs farm in Sparta entered the Sussex County Farmland Preservation program Dec. 12. The 68 acre farm is located on County Rte. 517 and is currently a hay-producing operation. It is the first farm entirely in Sparta be preserved. The Scott farm — half in Lafayette and half in Sparta — came into the program in November 2002. The easement value on the Takacs farm is the highest the county program has seen to date ($9,900/acre) and is due to its’ location and development potential. The Takacs farm is still a family farm, with Karin and her children managing the operation. This is the 62nd farm preserved through the Sussex County Farmland Preservation program and brings the acreage under permanent protection to 8,696. An additional 35 farms, totaling 3,022 acres, have received final approvals, and are in the process of closing. For information on the closing and/or the Farmland Preservation Program, call 973-579-0500, option 1.