Landowners, tenants, and Ag professionals are encouraged to attend a farmland leasing meeting scheduled for Wednesday, August 3rd.  The meeting will be held at the Guthrie County Extension Office from 1:00 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. according to Tom Olsen, Iowa State University Farm Management Specialist. Olsen will present current leasing information including the latest land value survey and cash rent survey. There will be time for questions so sign up today and get the information you need. 

Iowa farmland values increased by at least 15 percent during 2010.  ISU Extension research indicates that the average age of farmland owners continues to rise. Fifty-five percent of Iowa’s farmland is owned by people over the age of 65, while 28 percent of the land is owned by individuals over age 75. We also find that children and surviving spouses of farmers are less likely to continue operating the farm themselves. That’s a major reason why farmland leasing continues to increase.

Registration for the workshop is $25 per person or $35 per couple is charged and includes a copy of the 100-page workbook “Farmland Leasing – 2011”. The workbook is packed with information about land values, leasing and different types of farm lease arrangement. Please pre-register with the Guthrie County Extension Office by phone 641-747-2276 or email Erica Tunink emtunink@iastate.edu. Pre-registration is requested by July 29th, late registrations will be charged a $5 late fee.