Richmond Township, MI – For generations, the Kulman family has farmed the fertile land of Macomb County, Michigan. Now, through a program designed to preserve the state’s agricultural heritage, a significant portion of their land will remain dedicated to farming for years to come. The effort, fueled by a Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development grant, is gaining momentum as more farmers consider protecting their land from development.
Ken Kulman recently enrolled 40 acres of his property into a Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) agreement, building on an earlier commitment from his brother, Vern Kulman, who preserved 120 acres in 2023. The agreements ensure the land will be used for agricultural purposes or remain as green space in perpetuity. This initiative is part of a broader statewide effort to combat the loss of farmland to residential and commercial development, a growing concern for Michigan’s agricultural community.
The Kulman family’s story exemplifies a growing trend in Macomb County and across Michigan. Farmers are increasingly turning to programs like the Agricultural Preservation Grant to secure the future of their land, balancing the financial benefits of development with a commitment to preserving their farming legacy. The program offers landowners fair market value for their development rights, allowing them to continue farming while ensuring the land isn’t converted into housing or other non-agricultural uses.
Preserving a Family Legacy and Michigan Farmland
Ken Kulman, who has been involved in farming for over 68 years, explained the deep personal connection to the land. “The land is part of the original 260 acres that my grandfather, John Kulman, purchased in the 1930s,” he said. His father, Robert Kulman, continued the farming tradition, eventually dividing the land between Ken and Vern. Now, with both brothers participating in the PDR program, a substantial portion of the family’s original farmland is permanently protected.
The Macomb County Agricultural Purchase of Development Rights Committee coordinated the PDR agreement, which is funded through the state grant. The committee has been instrumental in preserving hundreds of acres of farmland throughout the county, working directly with landowners to navigate the process and ensure a fair outcome. According to officials, the program is achieving its goal of protecting Macomb County’s agricultural assets.
The program’s success hinges on providing a viable financial alternative to selling land for development. Farmers often face increasing pressure to cash out as land values rise, but the PDR program allows them to retain ownership and continue farming while receiving compensation for the potential development value of their property. This is particularly important for family farms like the Kulmans’, where preserving the land is as much about heritage as it is about economics.
How the Purchase of Development Rights Program Works
The Purchase of Development Rights program is a voluntary effort that allows landowners to sell their development rights to a government agency or land trust. These rights are then extinguished, preventing future development on the property. The landowner retains ownership of the land and can continue to farm or use it for other agricultural purposes. Macomb County’s program specifically utilizes funding from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Agricultural Preservation Grant.
The process involves an appraisal to determine the fair market value of the development rights. Once an agreement is reached, an easement is placed on the property, legally binding it to agricultural use in perpetuity. This ensures that future owners will likewise be obligated to maintain the land for farming or green space. The program is designed to be a win-win for both landowners and the community, preserving valuable farmland while providing financial benefits to farmers.
Michigan’s commitment to farmland preservation is underscored by the funding available through the Agricultural Preservation Grant. The Detroit News reported that the program compensates farmers for protecting their land from development, recognizing the vital role agriculture plays in the state’s economy and culture.
The Broader Impact on Michigan Agriculture
The preservation of farmland is critical for maintaining Michigan’s agricultural industry, which contributes billions of dollars to the state’s economy annually. As urban sprawl continues to encroach on agricultural land, programs like the PDR are becoming increasingly important for ensuring a sustainable future for farming. Protecting farmland also has environmental benefits, preserving open space, protecting water quality, and supporting biodiversity.
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel emphasized the importance of protecting agricultural assets, stating that it’s “a significant part of our identify and culture.” This sentiment reflects a growing awareness of the value of farmland beyond its economic contribution. Farmland provides essential ecosystem services, supports local food systems, and contributes to the quality of life in rural communities.
The success of the Kulman family’s participation in the PDR program serves as an example for other landowners in Macomb County and throughout Michigan. By choosing to preserve their land, they are not only securing their family’s legacy but also contributing to the long-term health and vitality of the state’s agricultural community.
The Macomb County Agricultural Purchase of Development Rights Committee will continue to evaluate applications and work with landowners interested in participating in the program. The next round of grant funding from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is expected to be announced in the fall of 2026, providing further opportunities for farmers to protect their land. Landowners interested in learning more about the program can contact the Macomb County Planning and Economic Development Department for information and assistance.
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