Posted 8/11/2015 20:51 (#4728274) Subject: Need land rent advice
We run a smaller farm and we are trying to expand. So we are always looking for more ground. I rent more land then I own and that isn't going to change anytime soon. I stopped to talk to a guy about renting a field he owns the other day. Long story sort this is about 15 acres that hasn't been farmed in many many years. He said about three year ago he mull board plowed most of it for a deer food plot but never planted any thing in it so it is all weeds a lot of grass thistle and ragweed. When it talked to him I said I was interested if planting it next spring. He said he thought it was a good idea and we were going to sit down to work out the details. This is when I brought up I might like to brush hog it this summer and spray it to control weeds for spring and now he wants me to pay rent for this year (2015). I told him forget it and I will take care of it in the spring. But he is set on not doing anything if I don't pay for this year. We haven't even talked about money yet and I don't want to loose a chance at some land. I haven't even thought about soil test or fertility yet either. I know 15 acres isn't much but farm land is far and few between around here especially for a smaller operation. Should I walk away or try something else. Thanks for any advice.
Posted 8/11/2015 20:56 (#4728285 - in reply to #4728274) Subject: RE: Need land rent advice
Amherst WI
I would have delt with that early on when I started farming and it never did work out with goofy stipulations like that and I always had the most to lose.
He sounds like he is going to be a treat to deal with down the road when your into it real deep with fertilizer, lime and the ultimate land loser cutting back the fence lines. I'd keep on going.
Posted 8/11/2015 21:08 (#4728320 - in reply to #4728274) Subject: RE: Need land rent advice
Ottawa, Ontario
He should be paying you to clean it up this year !
Tell him the rent should be $ -100.00 / ac this year and $100 / ac next year . Once it is cleaned up and producing something you can pay him some rent. Explaing to him that at the end of the day you will be adding value to his property.
Posted 8/11/2015 21:17 (#4728348 - in reply to #4728274) Subject: RE: Need land rent advice
wisconsin
The problem is you haven't talked about what he wants for money yet. if he wants big money and it hasn't been farmed for awhile I wouldn't touch it without a long term deal minimum of 5 years. because if you get it cleaned up and producing the next guy down the road will come after it. you have to protect your investment and give yourself enough time to come out profitable on it.
Posted 8/11/2015 21:40 (#4728431 - in reply to #4728391) Subject: RE: Need land rent advice
I think part of the problem is he bought the property with this just a grass field and I don't think he ever thought of it Bieng farmed until I stopped to talk to him. And now he thinks he has a gold mine. I hope I'm not making him out to be a prick because seems lik a nice enough guy just uneducated about how farming/ leasing land works.
Posted 8/11/2015 23:08 (#4728671 - in reply to #4728431) Subject: RE: Need land rent advice
So, explain to him how farming lease works.
I think I would wait until later in the year - sometime in the fall - to talk to him again. It will make it easier to convince him that you don't need to pay rent for this year. But then again, maybe that logic will never cross his mind.
Posted 8/11/2015 21:46 (#4728457 - in reply to #4728274) Subject: RE: Need land rent advice
Western Iowa
If a guy is a hassle before you get a deal, it won't get better. I have watched similar deals in the area. Landlord dictates terms all in his favor, someone always bites. Typically a new tenant every few years........
Hungry for land or not, don't do a deal you are not comfortable with.
Posted 8/12/2015 07:06 (#4728932 - in reply to #4728716) Subject: RE: Need land rent advice
sw mn
Cadillac has the right idea, some type of share crop arrangement. Contrary to most of the advice on here I would not walk away if there is some future potential. That said, make sure you get a multiple year agreement in writing. Just type it up on a word doc stating terms of lease, and have him sign a copy. If he is hard to work with, then do 1/3-2/3 arrangement where you pay all expenses. A 50-50 agreement where he pays 50% of expenses would be better for you, but then you would need to check with him every time you apply chem or fert. Hope this works out for you.
Posted 8/12/2015 06:36 (#4728867 - in reply to #4728274) Subject: RE: Need land rent advice
NC Indiana
What does he hunt? Tell him no rent, but you'll put out a cover crop on those acres yet this month that include turnips and dwarf Essex rapeseed and crimson clover (I'd put cereal rye or another cereal with it to). That should attract the wildlife at no cost to him and help you jumpstart to next season. My 2.
Posted 8/12/2015 13:38 (#4729566 - in reply to #4729383) Subject: RE: Need land rent advice
NE
No, tell him you will give him 100% of this years crop. He sounds dumb enough he might just agree. Then after he gets nothing you start over again next yr. Cash rent, no percentage deal, guys like this don't have a clue.
Posted 8/12/2015 17:25 (#4729873 - in reply to #4729566) Subject: RE: Need land rent advice
So, he will want jd1513 to plant wheat this fall, and then expect jd1513 to deliver 100% of the wheat crop to him, since it was planted "this year" (in 2015). Then, jd1513 does not deliver what is expect, he will get pissed and say that jd1513 reneged on the deal. Just sayin'.....