Farmland Leasing and Management Workshops increase understanding of Rental Agreements

Washington — Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Washington County is hosting a farmland leasing meeting on July 30 at 6 p.m., at the Washington County Extension and Outreach, 2223 250th St. in Washington. The annual meeting is offered to address questions that landowners, tenants or other interested individuals have about leasing farmland. The average reported in the 2024 cash rental survey for the state is $279 per acre of corn and soybeans and is the first time rates have not increased in five years.

Topics will include land values and cash rent trends, cost of production, methods for determining a fair rental rate, legislative updates regarding leases and communicating with tenants or landlords.

“More than half of Iowa’s farmland is rented, and strong landlord/tenant relationships are important for the long-term viability of Iowa’s valuable farmland,” said Ann Johanns, program specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “While the trend in rental rates is fairly steady, individual agreements vary and attending a workshop is a great way to learn more or ask questions on specific aspects of farm lease arrangements.”

The two-and-a-half-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.

Each registrant will receive a 100-page workbook with resources regarding land leasing agreements such as surveys, sample written lease agreements and termination forms, along with many other publications. The workbook may be included in the registration fee in some county meetings and available for purchase in others.

Attend a local meeting

Registration is $25.00 per individual and includes materials. Preregistration is encouraged as an additional $5 fee will be added if registering less than two calendar days before the meeting date. To register, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Washington County office at 319-653-4811 or email hollyb1@gmail.com.

The leasing meetings being held across Iowa are facilitated by farm management specialists with ISU Extension and Outreach, for other locations, visit the Ag Decision Maker events page.