Consider These Factors When Writing a Pasture Lease

In Iowa, the same law that pertains to cropland leases also applies to pasture leases.

However, unlike crop leases that typically run from March 1 to the last day of February the following year, pasture leases may be written for a shorter period of time.

Charles Brown, a farm management specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, said this process still requires that all leases be terminated by serving a written termination notice at the end of the lease, or the tenant will have the lease for the following year under the same terms as the old lease.

“The termination notice must be a separate document and cannot be part of the lease agreement,” he said. “Also, verbal termination is not recognized in Iowa.”

Brown reminds farmers that it's always best to have a written lease as this can eliminate arguments later and improve landlord/tenant communications.

"In the written lease, it should spell out the responsibilities of the landlord and the tenant," he said. "Who is responsible for maintaining fences, weed control, providing water, paying for utilities, seed, fertilizer, lime, etc. Is mowing pasture for hay allowed? Who has the hunting rights? These should all be spelled out in the written lease."

Determining a fair lease amount for a pasture lease can be accomplished in several ways. Although the most popular lease is still a dollar amount per acre, other lease arrangements are possible.

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