Feb 27, 2026
3 min read
The farmer rejects 15 million US dollars for 105 hectares and sells the right to preserve the permanent use of agriculture for 2 million dollars.
The decision of the 86-year-old farmer, after devoting 70 years of experience in agriculture and 50 100 hectares of property to the same, prevented the installation of an AI data center worth more than 15 million dollars, which would have guaranteed the sustainable agriculture of the area.
In 2025, an 86-year-old farmer became the focus of a debate over 100 hectares worth more than 15 million dollars, the target of interest from investors to build a data center in discussions about land use and rural care.
Farmer refuses fortune in artificial intelligence proposal
Farmer Mervin Raudabaugh has received a multi-million dollar offer for his two farms in Silver Spring, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.That amounts to more than $ 15 million for the 105-hectare area that has been cultivated for decades.
Kisan has been engaged in farming for nearly 70 years, almost 50 of which have been dedicated to the land.The proposal came from a developer interested in installing a data center on the property.
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Despite the high price, the farmer said he was not interested in destroying his fields.The decision not only focuses on the economic sector;
According to the farmer, the main thing was to maintain two agricultural properties.He said he doesn't want to see the area turned into a tech infrastructure.
This farmer said that only the preserved land will remain rural.In his opinion, everything seems to be done on time.
Farmer sells development rights to Lancaster Farmland Trust for $1.9 million
In December 2025, the farmer signed a formal agreement with the Lancaster Farmland Trust.The group paid about $1.9 million for development rights to the land.
The amount the farmers received represents a fraction of the data center developer's initial proposal.However, this is a decisive guarantee for permanent preservation.
With the transfer of rights, the land cannot be used for construction or non-agricultural purposes.The land can be sold in the future, but only for agricultural use.
The Lancaster Farmland Trust is a non-profit organization that works to preserve farmland in Cumberland County.The aim is to ensure productive continuity and prevent conversion to other uses.
The farmer's choice provided long-term legal protection for 105 hectares.The decision does not allow future owners to change the purpose of the site.
The expansion of data centers in EE.UU.puts pressure on rural areas and places farmers at the center of the debate
The case of the farmer is in the context of the expansion of data centers in the United States.The need for digital infrastructure has prompted companies to seek out larger plots of land.
Data center projects include buildings, large areas are required for electrical systems and cooling facilities. Continuously occupied, rural land is considered suitable.
The proposal the farmer received included the complete conversion of both farms into technology centres.The total area of 105 hectares meets the size requirements of the developer.
Reports published by international media show that the producers visited the farmer several times throughout the months.The attacks may have been made before the final decision was made.
This claim sparked widespread debate in the local community.The residents followed the negotiations and the farmers' position.
The situation reflects the tension between rural conservation and technological expansion.Property owners face a choice between high financial offers and maintaining traditional land uses.
Experts quoted by International Transport said other farmers face similar decisions.There is growing interest among rural households to keep the farm active indefinitely.
Community and experts express their views about farmers' decisions
Mr Jeff Swinehart, a representative of the Lancaster Farmland Trust, said that many farming families want to ensure that their land is permanent.According to him, these buildings are beneficial to the local community.
Swinehart emphasized that conservation ensures the continuity of agricultural activities and preserves the rural landscape.The conservation easement model prevents future changes.
The farmer said that the local friends are satisfied with the decision.They will support it knowing that the view and rural character will be preserved.
The farmer's decision was reported by media outlets such as Fortune, People, Realtor.com, FOX43 News and the Times of India.The consequences widened the scope of the cause.
Reports highlight that the farmer prioritized his connection to the land.He said this property represented his life.
Legal safeguards do not prevent the future conversion of agricultural land
The agreement signed by the farmer establishes permanent restrictions on non-agricultural development.An easement accompanies the land regardless of the change of owner.
This means that any future sales will depend on agricultural use. The legal structure prevents the implementation of a data center or other industrial enterprises.
The $1.9 million paid to the farmer was described as compensation for development rights.The physical property remains in agricultural care.
This decision creates a direct contrast with the proposal exceeding $15 million.Financial differences emphasize the conservative option at the expense of greater economic returns.
The farmer strengthens the argument of conservation in the face of constructive development
The farmer stated that he believed there was a possibility that unprotected areas would be built.He said that any vacant place can be occupied in the future.
For the farmer, legal protection is the only way to ensure the continuity of the field.The transfer of rights was seen as a safe tool.
He emphasized that the decision was not based on money alone.The crucial thing was to prevent the destruction of farms.
Farmers have shown that the economic dimension does not exceed the symbolic and practical value of the land.Choices reflect personal priorities.
The Boer case represents a syllogism between millions and agricultural tradition
The farmer's refusal sums up the dispute between multimillion-dollar research and agricultural management.An input of US$60,000 per hectare showed a significant change in balance.
Despite this, the farmer decided to receive the 1.9 million US dollars and keep the agricultural allocation.The decision became a reference in land use debates.
The episode also shows how data center projects are reaching rural areas.The search for large tracts of land puts farmers at the center of negotiations.
The difference between $15 million and $1.9 million highlights the weight of the choice.Farmers accepted lower values to ensure agricultural sustainability.
This situation continues to be cited as an example of voluntary conservation in the face of economic pressure.
This article was prepared based on information published by Fortune, People, Realtor.com, FOX43 News and Times of India.
I also have a small application area of 3 thousand square meters, they offered me 3 times what it was really worth and I did not sell it, my little paradise located in Mauá, SP.
A wise man, the wisdom of 86 years as they thought they could not buy.There is no money in the world to buy such people!Congratulations 👏🏻
Congratulations to the farmer, who kept the production of his farm above money, who prioritized food over easy profit.
I can buy everything for only 15 million, if he thinks that he will work when he wants, I really congratulate this person.
