Michigan Farmland Lease Template and How-to recording now available
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EmailDownload the template and watch our recording for tips on adjusting it.
Are you a farmer looking to lease land, or a landowner interested in renting land out? Putting together a leasing agreement may be high on your list of concerns with renting farmland. Often it can feel overwhelming to think about what should go into a lease or how to make sure the things you want get included. To help navigate this challenge, MSU Extension has newly released the Michigan Farmland Lease Template. This template can be used for annual crops, orchards and other perennial plantings, and pastureland rental agreements.
Download Michigan Farmland Lease Template
Instructions on how to use the template are on the cover page of the template. It is important to take a minute to read through these instructions, because while simple, they are important to the development of a quality lease.
Please also use our video for instructions on how to adjust the template. Feel free to jump to the topics in the video that are most relevant to you:
- Property description – begins at 1 minute 35 seconds
- Term of the lease and termination – at 4 minutes 5 seconds
- Payment structure – 9 minutes 19 seconds
- Orchard / variable-flexible rent provisions – 13 minutes 10 seconds
- Right to harvest – 15 minutes 5 seconds
- Why it is important to take out brackets! /Landlord right to entry – 16 minutes 10 seconds
- Perennial plantings, irrigation and improvements – 17 minutes 12 seconds
- Insurance, special provisions and addendums – 27 minutes 42 seconds
For those who are interested in ensuring certain nutrient practices, soil health metrics or conservation goals are maintained by the renter, there are lines near the end of the lease template where you can write in specific language. Alternatively, you can attach an addendum on the topic to the lease. Sample addendums are available from the University of Illinois (published September 2019):
For a farmland lease, remember that it is worth the time to spend an hour or two to get the lease language right! Clarify the parties’ intentions, take out unnecessary provisions and adjust the formatting as needed. The adjusted lease template is the starting point for working with the other party and your attorney. Always make sure to discuss your adjusted template (and any addendums) with your attorney to make sure it matches your circumstances and is well-constructed for your behalf.
For any questions or for help getting started with the template, contact Chris Bardenhagen, MSU Extension Farm Business Management Educator at bardenh1@msu.edu or 231-256-9888.
