Questions that surround the process of renting farm land are the focus of a pair of workshops being conducted in the area on Dec. 13.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension is providing the opportunities for owners of farmland and agricultural producers to find out about land rent realities and options. The free in-person workshop is sponsored by the Extension offices of Langlade, Marinette, Oconto, and Shawano counties. Registration is not required and all interested persons are encouraged to attend.
The workshop will be at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 13 in Rooms A and B of the Shawano County Courthouse, 311 N. Main St., Shawano. If in doubt about weather issues contact the Shawano County Extension office at 715-526-6136.
Crops/Soils Educator Scott Reuss will lead the discussion of the details that should be considered when negotiating a farm rental contract, and why having a contract is important. He will also detail some of the advantages and disadvantages of different types of annual or multi-year leasing contracts. Current data regarding land rental rates in the multi-county area will be shared and discussed, as well.
Although a written contract is not a legal requirement, it does allow for protections for both parties and allows the producer involved to more readily access crop insurance and governmental programs. Many different things can go into a contract, but the most important center on timing, payment processes, restrictions, and opportunities for flexibility when unusual cropping conditions occur.
Contract templates of multiple types will be available as handouts, ranging from extremely simple to more complex arrangements. However, land owners need to make sure they match legal needs and the true needs and desires of both parties. The discussion will focus on basic cropland rental situations, but can expand to building leases, grazing land, and other situations that attendees are interested in discussing.
For information, contact Reuss at 715-732-7510 or scott.reuss@wisc.edu.
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