The profitability of crop production has been good these past years. With this profitability, more pasture and woodlands have been tilled. As a result, there is a potential for increased soil erosion. Estimating the cost of soil erosion to the landowner will be one topic at the Farm Leasing Arrangements meeting in Atlantic. Cass County Extension will be sponsoring the Farm Leasing Arrangements meeting on August 16 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Cass County Community Center. The Cass County Community Center is at 805 West 10th Street.

Another timely topic is the 2012 Farm Bill. Both the Senate and House Committees of Agriculture have proposed bills that eliminate direct payments. According to Tim Eggers, Iowa State University Extension Field Agricultural Economist, “The elimination will drop farm revenues by about $20 per acre. It is the equivalent of a three-bushel decrease in this year’s crop.” Eggers added, “While not a large decrease, it is still a fundamental change in Farm Bill programs.” Besides the cost of soil erosion and loss of direct payments, Eggers will discuss land values, cash rental rates, and flexible leases. Considerations relevant to current drought impact will also be discussed.

The Farm Leasing Arrangements meeting costs $15 per person, which includes the 100-page Farm Leasing Arrangements booklet. Pre-registration is required by August 14. To pre-register, call the Cass County Extension office at 712-243-1132.

(ISU Extension Press Release)