Farmland Leasing and Management Workshops Planned

By Ann Johanns

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host numerous farmland leasing and management workshops across the state in July and August, beginning July 29 in Waterloo and continuing through Aug. 28 in Keokuk County.

The annual meeting series is offered to address questions that landowners, tenants or other interested individuals have about leasing farmland. The average per-acre rent reported in the 2024 cash rental survey for Iowa is $279 for 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, including conservation in farmland lease arrangements, and communicating with tenants or landlords.

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

Each 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

The registration fee varies based on county, but is not more than $20-25 per person, and includes materials. Preregistration is encouraged and an additional $5 fee may be added if registering less than two calendar days before the meeting date. To register contact the ISU Extension and Outreach county office where the meeting is being held.

Virtual option

One live, virtual option will be offered Aug. 26, from 9-11:30 a.m., featuring three farm management field specialists. This is an opportunity for those who are unable to attend an in-person event, especially those out of state. The webinar registration fee is $20, and includes access to download an electronic (PDF) version of the handbook. Hard copies are only available through the in-person events.

The meetings are facilitated by farm management specialists with ISU Extension and Outreach. For the full list of locations, visit the Ag Decision Maker events page.

The Ag Decision Maker website also provides useful materials for negotiating leases, information on various types of leases, lease forms and newly updated Decision Tools.