Every farmland owner has different priorities. Some want predictable rental income through a cash lease. Others prefer to remain more involved through custom farming arrangements that offer greater control and potential returns.
At Stalcup Ag Service, we help landowners throughout western Iowa evaluate leasing and custom farming options based on their financial goals, risk tolerance, and long-term plans for the property.
With decades of local agricultural experience, we provide practical guidance and professional oversight to help you get the most from your farmland investment.
Our clients include active farmers who own additional farmland, retired landowners, absentee owners, agricultural investors, and families who have inherited farmland. Some live nearby and want help managing tenant relationships, while others live across the country and rely on our local expertise to oversee their land.
No matter your situation, we help create farming arrangements that align with your goals while protecting the long-term value of your property.
Our team can help you evaluate which approach best fits your financial objectives and comfort level.
Provides predictable annual income with minimal involvement from the landowner.
Allows owners to participate in crop revenue while sharing risk and reward.
Provides greater flexibility and control while allowing professional operators to perform field work on your behalf.
Custom share farming allows landowners to participate more directly in crop production while sharing responsibilities with an experienced operator. In most arrangements, the landowner receives 75% to 80% of the crop and covers crop expenses, while the operator receives 20% to 25% in exchange for providing equipment and labor.
Cash rent leases offer a straightforward way for landowners to generate income from their farmland. Fixed-rate leases provide consistent annual income, while flexible cash rent agreements adjust based on crop yields and market conditions.
Under a cash rent arrangement, the landowner is typically responsible for real estate taxes, insurance, major improvements, and structural repairs. Selecting a financially stable tenant who practices responsible land stewardship is essential to protecting the long-term value and productivity of the farm.
Based in Storm Lake, Stalcup Ag Service works with farmland owners throughout western Iowa, including Buena Vista, Lyon, Sac, Pocahontas, Cherokee, Ida, Crawford, Monona, Harrison, Shelby, Pottawattamie, Mills, Montgomery, O’Brien, and Adams counties.
Our local knowledge of farming practices, rental rates, tenant relationships, and regional markets helps landowners make informed decisions about their property.
Custom farming is an arrangement where a landowner hires a farm operator to perform fieldwork and other farming activities for a fee while retaining ownership of the crop and assuming most production expenses.
This approach allows landowners to have greater involvement in their farm’s operation and income potential without owning equipment or handling day-to-day farming tasks.
Stalcup Ag Service can help landowners evaluate whether a custom farming agreement aligns with their goals and financial objectives.
With a cash rent lease, the tenant pays the landowner a fixed or flexible rental rate and assumes the majority of production risk and management responsibilities.
In a custom farming arrangement, the landowner retains a larger share of the crop income while paying crop-related expenses, and the operator is compensated for labor and equipment.
Stalcup Ag Service works with landowners to determine which option best fits their desired level of involvement, risk tolerance, and income goals.
A fair rental rate depends on several factors, including soil productivity, local market conditions, farm improvements, drainage, conservation practices, and current commodity prices.
Stalcup Ag Service analyzes local rental trends and farm-specific characteristics to help landowners establish competitive lease rates that protect the value of their investment while attracting quality tenants.
Yes. Many of Stalcup Ag Service’s clients are absentee landowners who live outside the local area or even outside Iowa. Our team can oversee lease negotiations, tenant relationships, farm inspections, and reporting to help ensure your farm property is professionally managed and your interests are protected, regardless of where you live.
Custom farming can be a good option for inherited farmland owners who want to maintain a higher level of involvement in their operation and potentially participate in crop income. However, it also involves greater financial risk and responsibility than a traditional cash rent lease.
Stalcup Ag Service can help heirs and family members evaluate their options and develop a management strategy that supports both short-term income needs and long-term land stewardship goals.
If you’re considering a cash lease, crop share arrangement, or custom farming agreement, Stalcup Ag Service can help you evaluate your options and make informed decisions.
Our team works with farmland owners throughout western Iowa and across the country to develop solutions that support both income goals and long-term stewardship. Call 712-732-4811 or contact us today to discuss your farmland and farming objectives.
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