ISU Extension hosting farmland leasing workshop

     Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Jones County is hosting a farmland leasing meeting on Monday, Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Youth Development Center in Monticello. The annual meeting is offered to address questions that landowners, tenants, or other interested individuals have about leasing farmland.

     Core components of the program will include land values and cash rent trends, cost of production, methods for determining a rental rate, legal updates regarding leases and communication between tenants or landlords. Additional topics vary by location.

     “More then 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 Alejandro Plastina, assistant professor of economics and extension economist of Iowa State University. “Cash rent values across the State of Iowa have declined for the fourth consecutive year, dropping by 4.8 percent from 2016, an accumulated 18.9 percent decline since 2013. Variations in the survey results occur at the county and district level. Farmland leasing meetings provide an outlet for further understanding of these results and more.”

     The three-hour workshop is designed to assist landowners, farm tenants, and other agri-business 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. Comments from past participants highlight the value of the materials provided and depth of information covered in the short program.

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

     Registration is $25 per individual and includes materials. Pre-registration 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 Jones County Office at 319-465-3224 or nnull@iastate.edu.

     The leasing meetings being held across Iowa are facilitated by farm management specialists with ISU Extension and Outreach.