Farm Lease Workshops Scheduled

MADISON, WI – The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension will host agricultural leasing seminars across the state in October.

These seminars are offered to address questions that landowners, tenants, or other interested individuals have about leasing farmland, including:

-         Setting a rental rate,

-         Land management considerations,

-         Legal risks associated with leases,

-         Strategies for effective communication with tenants and landowners,

-         Terminating an agricultural lease, and

-         Miscellaneous topics in agricultural leasing.

“More than one-third of Wisconsin’s farmland is rented, and strong landowner/tenant relationships are important for the long-term viability of Wisconsin’s valuable farmland,” said Kelly Wilfert, attorney and Farm Law Outreach Specialist with Extension. “Every agreement is unique, and attending a workshop is a great way to learn more or ask questions on specific aspects of farm lease arrangements.”

The programs will be held in:

1. Dodgeville, Wisconsin: October 9, 2025, 10 am - Noon, Extension Iowa County, 303 W Chapel St, Dodgeville, WI 53533

2. Juneau, Wisconsin: October 9, 2025, 3 pm - 5 pm, Extension Dodge County, 127 E Oak St, Juneau, WI 53039

3. Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin: October 14, 2025, 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm, Chippewa County Courthouse, 711 N Bridge St, Ste 1, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

4. Wausau, Wisconsin: October 14, 2025, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm, Extension Marathon County, 1000 Lake View Dr, Wausau, WI 54403

5. Manitowoc, Wisconsin: October 21, 2025, 6 pm - 8 pm, Manitowoc County Office Complex, Room 300, 4319 Expo Drive, Manitowoc, WI 54220

Each registered participant will receive a free copy of the Wisconsin Guide to Farmland Leasing, a new guide that covers legal issues, designing lease payment structures and calculating payments, and leasing as part of a farm succession plan, as well as sample lease forms for negotiating lease agreements.

Registration is $25 per individual, which includes workshop materials. To register, visit https://uwmadison.eventsair.com/farmleasing25/farmleasing/Site/Register.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language and/or format, and/or other services to make this event more accessible. It takes time to make arrangements. To help us serve you best, please contact us at kelly.wilfert@wisc.edu as early as you can, but no later than September 12, 2025. There is no added cost to you for these services.