What landowners can expect when leasing to Weiland Farms

If you're evaluating tenants to lease your North Central Iowa farmland, you're likely asking more than just, "How much rent will I receive?"

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You want a farmer-partner who'll care for your land with the same attention and pride you would — and who won't leave you guessing about what's happening on your property.

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With decades of experience managing Iowa farmland for more than 65 landowners across seven counties in IA, we've built our landowner experience around those priorities.

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While every farm is different, here's a look at how a typical year unfolds when you lease your farmland to us.

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Note: This list reflects our standard process and is not exhaustive. Timing and details may vary depending on your lease terms or farm's needs.

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What you can expect throughout the calendar year

We keep landowners updated at key points throughout the year through clear communication, documentation and proactive land management.

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January

In January, you'll receive a 1099-MISC form from Weiland Farms via email, reporting your rental income for the prior year. If you receive payments from government agencies, like Farm Service Agency or the Natural Resources Conservation Service, you'll also receive a 1099-MISC from them.

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February

February is usually a quiet month unless otherwise needed.

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March

The first installment of cash rent is typically due in March. Most leases are structured with two payments — March and December — but some are paid in full up front.

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During odd-numbered years, you'll receive a Notice of Assessed Value from the county where your farm is located. This notice will provide any changes to the assessed value of the property for property tax calculations.

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You'll also pay the second half of your property taxes this month, based on the January 1 valuation from two years prior.

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April

Federal and state income taxes are due. Typically, the 1099-MISC provided by Weiland Farms in January is all you'd need to provide to your tax advisor.

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We're available if you need support related to your documentation.

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May

Planting season begins in May. After planting is complete, you'll receive a spring communication briefing from us that indicates:

• Records from the previous fall's crop-protection applications
• A summary of pre-planting activity
• Any notes on planting conditions and overall strategy

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June

There's typically no formal communication in June unless something requires attention. We'll continue monitoring your land and managing operations through the growing season.

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July

If your property is due for soil testing (typically every four years), you'll receive a soil test communication that includes:

• Your field's soil test results
• Comparisons to previous years (if available)
• Industry benchmarks

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August

Lease renewal conversations usually start in August (though the broader lease renewal period could be categorized as August through February for the coming crop year).

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September

September 1 is the lease termination deadline under Iowa Code § 562.6. If no written notice is given by either party before this date, leases automatically renew with the same terms and conditions.

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Landowners also pay the first half of their property taxes this month, based on the January 1 valuation from one and a half years ago.

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October

Harvest season begins in October. If your property includes Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)-enrolled acres, federal payments are typically distributed around this time.

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November

You'll receive a harvest communication memo from us in November that includes:

• All records for the current crop year, including yields
• Historical comparisons
• Performance benchmarks

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December

The second installment of cash rent (if applicable) is typically paid in December.

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Additional events we help landowners manage

We support our landowners with the full scope of issues that can arise over the life of a lease. Here are some of the ad hoc events and responsibilities we help navigate throughout the year:

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Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts

If your land is enrolled in CRP, contract renewals typically occur every 10 to 15 years. Mid-Contract Management (MCM) typically occurs every five years.

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We're available to consult regarding any CRP as needed.

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Drainage assessments

If your farmland is located in a Drainage District, you may be contacted by the county about repairs or improvements. We can help review those communications and coordinate next steps.

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Insurance

We can answer questions and consult on common types of insurance coverage, such as:

• Farm owner's insurance
• Farm dwelling insurance
• General liability coverage

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Field repairs

We'll keep you informed of any repair needs on your farm property and can handle logistics. Periodic issues may include:

• Drainage system repairs
• Driveway installations
• Fenceline removal
• Upkeep

We typically handle these updates using photos and a letter or email, or phone call. Our goal is to keep you informed without requiring your day-to-day involvement.

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Right-of-way issues

If infrastructure companies (such as utility providers or developers) need access to you land, we can serve as the primary point of contact. These issues are usually related to temporary crop damage, not long-term land use, so can be handled directly with us as the tenant.

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Development inquiries

Occasionally, landowners are approached about selling or leasing opportunities for solar installations, wind turbines, roads, pipelines, or other residential or commercial development. We're happy to consult with you — and with any other specialists — to help you assess the opportunity and any tradeoffs before making a decision.

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Why landowners partner with Weiland Farms

Some of our partners live out of state and haven't walked their fields in years. Others are navigating a family transition or stepping back from hands-on farming.

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They all want the same thing: to know their land is being managed responsibly — and to never feel in the dark.

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Here's what one of our landowners had to say:

"Excellent farm management, family-owned company. Reid keeps us informed with his detailed reports and professional communication. He takes pride in his farming techniques and yields. He is very transparent and has been proactive when it comes to lease terms and rents. we are fortunate to work with Reid and his family and strongly recommend their farm management services."
— Karey B.

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If you're nearing a decision and want to understand what a lease could look like for your North Central Iowa farmland, I'd be happy to discuss. Reach out to schedule a consultation.

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Reid Weiland is the managing partner of Weiland Farms. He oversees the farm's day-to-day operations and leads all land management and farmland acquisition efforts.