The Atlantic Monthly recently took note of a Florida law designed to preserve farmland by offering lower property taxes to farmers.

According to the investigative report, enterprising developers and other landowners allow cattle to graze on their properties to keep the taxes low.

Some even go so far as to “rent a cow,” paying cattle owners for the temporary use of their livestock. Apparently, Florida law does not define “bona fide agricultural purposes,” so a few cows chewing their cuds around a construction site may accomplish the desired tax savings.

Florida may not be the only state with this type of greenbelt law. But before you hire a goat to graze in your front yard – hoping to save some real estate taxes and avoid the chore of mowing the lawn – check your local statutes. Florida, for example, does not grant the agricultural tax exemption to residential property.

“Some people regard private enterprise as a predatory tiger to be shot. Others look on it as a cow they can milk. Not enough people see it as a healthy horse, pulling a sturdy wagon.” – Winston Churchill