Leasing Arrangements

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Leasing Farmland, Mineral Rights, Hunting and Recreation Rights

According to the 2007 U. S. Census of Agriculture, New York State (Table 3.), 182 Seneca Co. farms paid approximately $1.2 million in rent for farmland. Rental rates are influenced by the competition for land, the quality of the soils of that land, soil drainage, size of fields, distance from farm operation renting the property, and the “going rate.” The farmer and the landowner should draw up a written agreement that reflects the terms and conditions of using the land or buildings. The agreement should be reviewed by an attorney. Farm operators report rental rates to the USDA Farm Service Agency in Seneca Co. FSA can be reached at 315/568-6346.

Leasing Land for Agricultural Use 

• Leasing Land for Agriculture provides a good overview of considerations in renting land for farm use.
• Guidelines for Renting Farm Real Estate in the Northeastern United States contains information on types of rental agreements, determining cash rents from a landlord/renter perspective along with some information on renting farm buildings.

Pasture Rental 

Pasture rental is unique in that not only is the land being rented but a crop is being consumed by a grazing animal. Pasture Rental Arrangements for Your Farm can assist in learning more about leasing pastureland and calculating a fair rental rate.

Hunting and Recreational Leases 

Leasing hunting rights is one way to secure income from people who are interested in outdoor recreation. The entity that is leasing the property will most likely expect to receive exclusive use of the property. As with all legal agreements attorneys should be consulted to make sure that rights of the lessor and the lessee are protected and that the terms of the agreement are understood by all involved. Designing Hunting and Recreational Leases for Your Property provides an overview of the components that need to be addressed when crafting a hunting or recreational lease.

Last updated July 26, 2019