Landowners Trust Tenants to Care for Their Land

Nothing is more precious to farmers than soil. When tenants renting farmland utilize the trust they’ve gained with Iowa’s nonoperating 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.

Helpful Resources

Explore resources that can help guide discussions between tenants and landowners on the role 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.  

How to Start the Discussion

Explore tips for initiating a discussion about conservation practices with landowners in Part 1 of the Conservation Conversations Guidebook from The Nature Conservancy.

Multiyear Leases and 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 in Part 2 of the Conservation Conversations Guidebook from The Nature Conservancy.

Engaging your Landowner in Conservation Activities

Need information about conservation practices and their benefits? Share Part 3 of the Conservation Conversations Guidebook from The Nature Conservancy.

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.