CAMPBELL: Agricultural land leasing program; Jan. 8 – Hays Post

Report on Farmland Leasing Arrangements in Kansas

Overview of Farmland Ownership and Leasing

In Kansas, more than 50% of farmland used for crop and livestock production is rented rather than owned by farmers. Most agricultural producers operate on a combination of owned and rented land, with fewer than 10% relying exclusively on rented land. This reflects a common practice where farmers lease land from multiple landowners, many of whom are not directly involved in farming.

Economic Factors Influencing Land Leasing

The primary reason for leasing farmland is the high cost of land ownership. Purchasing sufficient land to sustain agricultural operations is often financially prohibitive for producers. Consequently, leasing agricultural land from various landlords is a practical solution that supports farm viability and sustainability.

Upcoming Educational Meetings on Farmland Leasing

The Cottonwood Extension District, part of K-State Extension and serving Barton and Ellis counties, will host two informational meetings focused on farmland leasing arrangements. These meetings aim to provide valuable knowledge to both landowners and tenants, addressing topics such as average cash rental rates and lease agreements.

1. Great Bend Meeting
   • Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
   • Time: 9:00 a.m.
   • Location: Cottonwood Extension Office, 3007 10th St., Great Bend
   • Refreshments: Coffee and doughnuts provided
2. Hays Meeting
   • Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
   • Time: 1:00 p.m.
   • Location: Cottonwood Extension Office, 601 Main, Hays
   • Refreshments: Light refreshments provided

Expert Participation and Support

• Stacy Campbell and Alicia Boor will present on effective farmland leasing arrangements.
• Kay Prather from Kansas Agriculture Mediation will be available to address legal questions related to leasing.
• These events are generously sponsored by First Kansas Bank.

RSVP Information

Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by January 7, 2026:

• Great Bend: Call 620-793-1910
• Hays: Call 785-628-9430

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This initiative supports multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – By promoting efficient farmland use and sustainable agricultural practices through informed leasing arrangements, the meetings help enhance food production and security.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Facilitating fair and transparent leasing agreements contributes to economic stability and growth for farmers and landowners.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Encouraging sustainable land management practices aligns with responsible resource use and long-term agricultural productivity.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – Supporting sustainable farmland leasing helps protect terrestrial ecosystems and promotes biodiversity conservation.

Contact Information

For further information, contact Stacy Campbell, Crop Production Extension Agent for the Cottonwood District (Barton and Ellis counties), K-State Research and Extension:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 785-628-9430

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article discusses farming practices, land use, and agricultural production, which are directly related to food security and sustainable agriculture.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The focus on farmland leasing arrangements and economic challenges faced by farmers relates to promoting sustained economic growth and decent work in agriculture.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Land use and management, including renting and leasing farmland, implicate sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and land resources.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The collaboration between K-State Extension, Kansas Agriculture Mediation, and First Kansas Bank highlights partnerships to support sustainable agricultural practices.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, including through secure and equal access to land.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, and entrepreneurship.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by drought.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for Target 2.3:
   • Average cash rental rates for farmland, which reflect economic access to land for farmers.
   • Percentage of farmland rented versus owned, indicating land tenure security and access.
2. Indicator for Target 2.4:
   • Number of educational meetings or extension services provided to farmers regarding sustainable leasing arrangements and agricultural practices.
3. Indicator for Target 8.3:
   • Number of farmers engaged in formal leasing agreements, reflecting economic activity and formalization in agriculture.
4. Indicator for Target 17.17:
   • Number and quality of partnerships and collaborations among agricultural extension services, legal mediation, and financial institutions.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: hayspost.com