“What will cash rental rates look like for the 2011 crop year?” has been a much-asked question recently. Setting cash rent in stable times is hard enough. Setting cash rent with volatile prices for corn and soybeans, input cost, and land values is even more difficult. 

 

Iowa State University (ISU) Extension is offering Farm Land Leasing workshops on Thursday, August 12th  9:30 am or 1:30 pm at the Clarion Inn 180 Exit 225, Amana.  Also Tuesday, August 17th, 7:00 pm at the Linn County Extension Office, 3279 7th Ave., Suite 140 in Marion.

 

Jim Jensen, ISU Extension Farm Management Specialist, will be the presenter. According to Jensen, “The 2010 Extension Cash Rental Survey is out and will be discussed as well as the profit potential for tenants.” Cash rents typically reflect profitability the previous year.  Margins are getting tighter which will probably lead to a longer negotiation process.

 

Jensen will be discussing land values, leasing practices, and lead an interactive discussion on methods to calculate cash rent.   Jensen stated, “The most frequent stumbling block for setting a cash rental rate is determining the land quality of the farm”.  Rents on various quality soils and ways to determine land quality will be discussed.   

 

The Farm Land Leasing workshop cost is $25 per person, and includes the 2010 Farm Leasing Arrangement booklet and copies of the presentation. To pre-register call the Benton County Extension Office at 319- 472- 4739. Registration cost can be paid at the door approximately 30 minutes before the workshop begins. For those that register after August 8th (Amana) or August 13th (Linn County) or at the meeting, a $5 late registration fee will be added.