Farmland loss, is it really a big deal? The loss of farmland is happening at an alarming rate. In a recent Agweek article, it stated that the US lost 31 million acres of farmland from 1992-2012. This is an incredible number, approximately the size of the state of Iowa. But why does this have an Read more about As a Landowner does the loss of farmland really impact me?[…]
How important is it to clear brush from the edges of your fields? I was talking to a farmer that I’ve worked closely with for many years and this week was the week they were out cleaning fence rows. And I couldn’t agree more that this was a perfect week, with the mild temperatures and Read more about Pros and Cons to Keeping Fence Rows Clean[…]
How can I build soil organic matter? Last week I shared with you the importance of soil organic matter and the many benefits it can give to your crop and soil. Organic matter is one of the hardest places to see improvements. The amount of time it takes to grow organic matter just half a Read more about What can I do to build soil organic matter?[…]
What questions do you ask when meeting with a new farm renter? Last week I shared with you a conversation I had with a landowner. I was intrigued by his question when he asked, “What is your farming philosophy?” After thinking more about this question, it has led me to what other questions every landowner Read more about Four Questions every Landowner should ask their Tenant[…]
What is your Farming Philosophy? “What is your farming philosophy?” In most circles this seems like an odd question. It is not one that will make the national news or be asked by host Jimmy Fallon on the Tonight Show. It is a question I think most people don’t give any thought to ask, even Read more about What’s is your farming philosophy?[…]
What does a freeze and thaw really do? As I look out the window at the outside landscape, I see snow falling. It is a reminder that here in the Midwest, we have seasons. Have you thought about if the freeze and thaw is beneficial to the soil in your fields? What is this actually Read more about How the Freeze and Thaw affects Soil Compaction[…]
How does a solid plan impact a long-term lease on your farm? Do most growers have a long-term plan when it comes to the acres they own? Of course they do, because they have control of the future of that land. They may also a vision of what they want the land to look like Read more about What do you need to create a long-term lease?[…]
Is the relationship with the landlord just about the cash rent dollar? A simple reason for cash rent being higher than the local market value is due to farmers’ need to grow. This is often done at the expense of higher risk just to get their foot in the door. Although I don’t recommend this Read more about How do you reduce your farm cash rent cost?[…]
Why is high cash rent all you hear about? A trend I have heard about, is it takes high cash rent in order to farm available ground. This is something that gets talked about often at the restaurants and local coffee shops. But does it truly reflect the relationship between the farmer and the landowner? Read more about High Cash Rent is Not the #1 Thing![…]
Why plant a hay crop on your farm? Every piece of farmland can have a specific use; some of these uses may be to grow perennial crops. In many cases, it is because the terrain is such that will prevent it from being used for a more typical annual cash crop in the area. In Read more about Hay crops: same farm lease or different?[…]