Renter & Landowner Resources
Working together is key
Farmers and landowners both play an important role in shaping the future of Iowa’s land. Many conservation decisions happen on rented acres, which makes communication and shared understanding essential. Here, we brought together trusted resources to support productive conversations about conservation practices, financial opportunities, and long-term stewardship. Whether you are a tenant looking to introduce new practices or a landowner interested in protecting your investment, these tools are designed to help you align goals, ask the right questions, and move forward with confidence.
Iowa Corn Conservation Conversations Guide
This guide from one of our founders, Iowa Corn, provides a structured approach to conservation discussions between tenants and landowners. It includes conversation prompts, planning considerations, and examples of how to align conservation practices with farm goals. The resource is designed to help both parties communicate clearly and make informed decisions together.
Talking with Your Landlord Series
This series of resources helps farmers prepare for conversations with landowners about conservation practices. It shares real examples, communication tips, and strategies for building trust. The content focuses on helping tenants present ideas clearly and connect conservation to shared goals.
Talking with Your Tenant Series
This companion series is designed for landowners who want to discuss conservation with their tenants. It provides insight into tenant perspectives, communication strategies, and ways to support conservation efforts on rented land. The resource encourages productive, informed conversations that lead to shared outcomes.
4 Step Guide to Introducing a Cost Share Program
This article outlines four steps to take with your landowner when introducing a conservation practice and cost share program. The article is specific to the Soil and Water Outcomes program, but we think it applies to all opportunities. It starts by discussing shared goals.
How to Develop Conservation-minded Farm Leases
This piece outlines how conservation practices can be included in farmland lease agreements. It discusses lease structures, incentives, and considerations that support long-term stewardship. The resource helps renters and landowners understand how conservation can be formally integrated into their agreements.
PFI: Operators & Landowners Working Together
This presentation from 2018 is from a real farmer-landowner duo who has successfully implemented multiple conservation practices together. It shares research findings, case studies, and insights into motivations and barriers within real-world context that can inform conversations and decision-making.
Lease Supplement for Protecting Valuable Soil
ISU provides a downloadable lease supplement that landowners and renters can use for a positive and collaborative process. It includes a fillable worksheet for depreciating the cost of establishing conservation practices. This would be a great one to share with your tax accountant/attorney as well. This page also links to resources on tax benefits of conservation.
Iowa Corn: Farmland Rental Resources
This resource hub brings together tools and information related to farmland rental agreements and conservation practices. It includes guidance on lease considerations, communication strategies, and management decisions. The page helps both renters and landowners navigate agreements that support conservation outcomes.
Iowa Land Options: INHF
Iowa Land Options is a resource developed by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation that helps landowners explore long-term options for their land. It provides guidance on tools such as conservation easements, land donation, and farm transition planning, along with information on financial and tax considerations. The site walks landowners through different paths to protect land, support conservation goals, and plan for the future of their farm.
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