Landowners Trust Tenants to Care for Their Land
Nothing is more precious to farmers than soil. When tenants utilize the trust they’ve gained with Iowa’s non-operating landowners by initiating discussions about adding conservation practices where they are needed, the soil and Iowa’s natural resources are protected for generations to come.
Success Stories
Conservation Discussions Result in Long-lasting Relationships
“The commitments we make now provide opportunities and challenges for the next generation. I think it’s important that we help landowners make decisions that make economic, agronomic and environmental sense.” – Stu Swanson, Wright County farmer
commitment to conservation attracts attention of landowners
“I have learned that if you have the courage to try something new, people will take notice. I have been able to make this system work for my acres and that has helped me rent more ground.” – Lance Lillibridge, Benton County farmer
CONSERVATION PRACTICES SOLVE PROBLEMS ON RENTED LAND
“Not adding conservation practices on rented land can be devastating. Landowners don’t want to see the soil washed away. That’s why I believe doing something is better than doing nothing.” – Doug Gronau, Crawford County farmer
Helpful Resources
These resources help guide discussions between tenants and landowners on the role that conservation practices can play in building soil health and the long-term value of farmland. All parties are encouraged to discuss the lease addendums with respective legal counsel.
SIGN UP FOR STEWARDSHIP ADVOCATE
Tenants and landowners are invited to sign up for the Iowa Corn Stewardship Advocate monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on soil health and water quality issues.
how to start the discussion
Tenants gain tips for initiating a discussion about conservation practices with their landowner from this guidebook from The Nature Conservancy.
MULTI-YEAR LEASES & CONSERVATION CO-INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Long-term leases and joint conservation investments are mutually beneficial to landowners and tenants. Learn how to take advantage of both from this guidebook from The Nature Conservancy.
ENGAGING YOUR LANDOWNER IN CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES
Need information about conservation practices and their benefits? Share this guide from The Nature Conservancy with your landowner.
SOIL HEALTH AND CONSERVATION ADDENDUM
Improving soil health has benefits for tenants and landowners. This addendum from the University of Illinois, which addresses incorporating specific conservation practices into a lease agreement, can be used as a guide to build an agreement with your landlord.
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ADDENDUM
The 4Rs of nutrient management maximize plant uptake and minimize field losses. This information from the University of Illinois can be used as a guide to incorporate a soil nutrient management plan into your lease agreement.
CONSERVATION HABITAT ADDENDUM
If enhancing wildlife habitat is a goal of your landlord, this information from the University of Illinois Extension can be used as a guide to develop an agreement on rented land.
COVER CROP LEASE INSERTION
Cover crops are an important consideration to improve soil health. Learn how to incorporate them in a lease agreement with this resource from The Nature Conservancy.
Tenants Discuss Conservation with Landowners
Watch the video for suggestions from tenants that discuss how they approach the conversation of adding conservation practices on rented land in order to protect landowner's investment and Iowa’s natural resources.