Tips For That Farmer, Landlord Conversation

By Shawn Williamson

Most of us don’t spend a whole lot of time working on farmer-landlord relationships. Yet, when times are tight, these relationships can become strained.

Why?

Because of the difficulty, or even inability, to pay rent. Farmers don’t want to have the uncomfortable chat to negotiate rent downward, and landlords don’t want it to move in that direction.

However, if both sides are getting what they want from the rental relationship, it’s easier to have that conversation.

After 15 years of leasing out farms and helping my clients with their leased farms, I think I have an idea of what landlords are looking for. Also, I’ve talked to several farmers about what they are looking for, in order to present both points of view.