September 16, 2019

Leasing Land Fundamentals

by Michael Langemeier

A series of leasing articles that discuss cash rents and land values: Leasing Principles for Cropland, Providing Reports for Crop Landowners, Flexible Cash Rent Leases, Incorporating Conservation Practices & Improvements into Cropland Leases?, Should I Use an Annual or Multi-Year Cropland Lease?

ARTICLES WITHIN PUBLICATION:

Leasing Principles for Cropland

June 8, 2019

When examining the leasing option, a farm needs to decide, along with the landowner, whether they want to use a cash lease, a crop share lease, or a flexible cash lease.

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Providing Reports for Crop Landowners

July 8, 2019

Communicating is prudent for a tenant to provide updates of crop conditions throughout the year and make sure that crop shares and possible bonuses emanating from flexible cash leases are understood by both parties.

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Flexible Cash Rent Leases

August 15, 2019

Switching from a fixed cash rent lease to a flexible cash rent lease allows a lower base rent to be established while simultaneously allowing landowners to share in relatively high crop revenues if they occur.

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Incorporating Conservation Practices and Improvements into Cropland Leases?

September 16, 2019

Most operators are interested in renting ground for a long period of time, so they are also interested in long-run productivity and the soil health of each tract of land that they farm.

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Should I Use an Annual or a Multi-Year Cropland Lease?

October 14, 2019

A vast majority of cropland leases are in effect for only one year. Multi-year leases provide incentives for tenants and landowners to invest in long-term improvements, maintain soil fertility, and encourage conservation practices.

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RELATED RESOURCES

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Jim Jansen from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins Michael Langemeier on this episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast to discuss cash rent considerations for irrigation, pasture, and hay leases. They provide factors affecting cash rent including maintenance costs, insurance, and land productivity and emphasize the importance of clear lease agreements. Offering practical advice for both landlords and operators on fair rental agreements.

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