The California Department of Conservation announced the latest round of funding for ag easements, and for four Central Valley properties — including a massive Madera County ranch — the  money comes with guarantees that the land won’t be developed.

Earlier this month, the California Strategic Growth Council approved more than $128 million in awards to preserve ag land throughout the state through the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program.

The 10th round of awards funded 40,000 acres across 52 projects, 48 of which were acquisition grants. Eight of the projects will return 11,316 acres to California Native American tribes.

Two properties in Fresno County and two in Madera County were approved for funds.

“Land protection goes hand-in-hand with community needs — today’s grants work with Native communities, veterans, and farmers in low-income areas to ensure that California’s fertile farmland is put to good agricultural use, while protecting our environment, our habitats and biodiversity, and communities,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom in a statement.

$5.7M to Preserve 9,800-Acre Madera Ranch

About 20 minutes from the city of Madera, a family runs a year-round cow-and-calf operation on 9,871 acres, according to the department application. With about 120 head of their own cattle, the family takes on another 3,200 to 4,000 in the winter to graze the massive property just west of Highway 41.

The California Rangeland Trust applied for the ag easement, asking for $5.7 million to go to the family in exchange for a promise to not develop the land.

The land contains “ample” water resources in an area designated by Sierra Nevada Foothills Wildlife Connectivity Project as an “irreplaceable and essential corridor.”

Grazing on the property also helps reduce wildfire risk.

Preservation of the land would prevent about 2.3 billion vehicle miles traveled and 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, according to the application.

Reedley Farm Grows Almonds, Stone Fruit, Blueberries Along Kings River

The department approved $2 million to Sequoia Riverlands Trust for 137 acres of prime farmland along the city of Reedley’s western border. The landowner operates a farm, growing almonds, stone fruit, and blueberries.

The Kings River keeps provides surface water, as do on-site wells.

The property provide habitat connectivity and a wildlife corridor. The property is also certified for “Bee-Friendly Farming.”

Wine Grapes, Row Crops on Madera Farm Sought for Easement

Southwest of Madera, a fourth-generation, family-owned farm grows 240 acres of wine grapes and 20 acres of row crops in the Madera Irrigation District. The property is managed by a larger farming operation covering about 400 acres nearby.

Only about a mile from Madera’s sphere of influence, the conservation department’s report says its proximity to the city puts constant pressure for it to be converted to non-agricultural use.

The American Farmland Trust was approved for $2.7 million for the easement.

Landowners have used regenerative management on the farm with reduced or no-till practices, minimizing soil disturbance. The state classifies the soil as Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, and Unique Farmland.

Twelve nearby conservation easements within three miles means proximity to other easement programs.

Organic Farm Near Kings River to Get Ag Covenant

Near Lac Jac and Adams avenues, stone fruits, citrus, and pomegranates grow on a 54-acre farm. Supplied by groundwater wells, the property uses no-till practices and uses organic soil amendments to improve fertility. All fruit on the property is certified organic and a majority of the fruit is sold at farmers’ markets or directly to stores and restaurants.

The conservation approved $763,638 to the El Rio De Los Reyes en Reedley Conservation Trust — now the Kings River Land Trust.