March 28, 2024

Newton to host farmland leasing meeting Aug. 1

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is conducting farmland leasing meetings across 12 different county sites including Jasper County. The farmland leading meeting will be from 7 to 10 p.m. Aug. 1 at Newton DMACC Campus, 600 N. Second Ave. W.

Discussion at these meetings will focus on various methods to determine a fair cash rental rate and the importance of tenant/landlord communications. According the Cash Rental Rates for Iowa — 2016 Survey released in early May, the average 2016 cash rent statewide declined by an average of 6.5 percent as compared to 2015. The drop is due to lower crop prices impacting farm tenant profitability. Average cash rents have declined for three consecutive years and is currently nearly 15 percent below the 2013 high.

The meeting will last approximately three hours and will be facilitated by Steve Johnson, farm and agriculture business management specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.

Registration is required at least two days before the meeting and a $20 per individual or $30 per couple fee is payable at the door. Participants will receive a 100-page booklet and meeting handouts designed to assist landowners, tenants and other agri-business professionals with issues related to farmland ownership, management and leasing arrangements.

Register by email or phone on or before July 28. For information, contact Tammy Welcher at welcher@iastate.edu or 641-792-6433.