Renting land has challenges for both farmers and landowners. The uncertainty of short-term leases can mean less incentive to care for the land by minimizing erosion and building soil nutrients or organic matter. With Ontario's upward trend of land rental acres, farmers must work with landowners to achieve mutual profitability and land stewardship goals.
Farmers know that soil needs a long-term perspective, which can conflict with short-term rental contracts. This site offers some resources for you to work with your landowners on these issues, build trust, and show them how your long-term investments in their soil will be a win-win for both parties and for the environment.
Browse through the Resources, checklists, and sample templates, or click on video stories from the perspectives of lawyers, farmers, and landowners.
Written Resources
- Farmland Agreements and Discussion Checklist
- What Makes a Good Farm Lease
- Land Lease Agreements Discussion Checklist
- Backgrounder on Soil Health
- Soil Health Glossary
- Cropland Rental Rates Cash Price and Formulas
- Pasture Rental Agreements
- Capital Improvements in Land Leases
- Crop Share Rental Flexible Rentals and Formulas
Videos
Cate McCorquodale Stratford Lawyer on the importance of farmland leases. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk8HQnCqfgM
Farm family working young farmer on land lease agreement; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVZLPJILnA0
Larry Davis - Renting land that was damaged by bad practices https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85gDqUK4Q1k