Iowa State University Extension will host 58 farmland leasing meetings during July and August at various times and locations throughout Iowa. These annual meetings are offered to address questions that landowners, tenants or other interested individuals have about leasing farmland.

In some counties as much as 70% of the land is now farmed by producers who do not own it. Throughout farm country, there is an increasing number of farmland owner and producer relationships, says specialist Steve Johnson, ISU Extension farm management.

The discussion will focus on various methods to determine a fair 2019 cash rental rate and the importance of good tenant and landlord communication.

According to the Cash Rental Rates for Iowa 2018 Survey released in mid-May, the average 2018 cash rent statewide is $222 per tillable acre, a 1.4% increase compared to 2017. Average cash rents statewide stabilized in 2018, after a decline of nearly 19% from the 2013 peak.

The program includes a focus on farmland ownership and tenure in Iowa, the latest on economics of cover crops, and related research and a discussion on implementing conservation practices in leases.

Also, land values and cash rent trends, cost of production, methods for determining a fair rental rate, and the latest legal updates that impact farm leases and land ownership will be covered. Additional topics vary by location.

Practical information offered
The three-hour workshop is designed to assist landowners, farm tenants and other agribusiness professionals with current issues related to farmland ownership, management and leasing arrangements. Attendees will gain a better understanding of current cash rental rate surveys and factors driving next year’s rents, such as market trends and input costs.

A 100-page workbook is compiled for these meetings, with resources regarding land leasing agreements, such as surveys, sample written lease agreements and termination forms, along with other publications.

Attend meeting near you
The farmland leasing meetings are facilitated by ISU Extension and Outreach farm management specialists. ISU Extension lists county offices hosting meetings, with additional information available through the Ag Decision Maker website.

For registration information, contact the local ISU Extension and Outreach county office. Preregistration is encouraged, as an additional $5 fee may be added if registering less than two calendar days before the meeting date.

Source: Iowa State University