Kaitlyn Nelson, Livestock Production Agent

The agricultural industry in recent years has faced increased volatility in commodity prices and
therefore uncertain profitability for farmers and ranchers. In 2024, agricultural commodity prices
experienced several changes because of global demand, input costs, government policies, high
crop production yields and record cattle market prices. Given these conditions, determining an
equitable lease arrangement has become increasingly challenging with landowners and tenants
which in turn has them frequently turning to the K-State Research and Extension offices for
information on the “going rates” for pasture and cropland leases.

Recognizing the need for reliable, local lease information, the K-State Research & Extension
Service, River Valley District began conducting a yearly lease survey in 2012 that is current and
relevant for Clay, Cloud, Republic, and Washington Counties. This information has proven very
useful for landowners, ag producers, agricultural lenders, and extension personnel as they work
through the various aspects of lease agreements. The data collected from the 2024 River Valley
Extension District Lease Survey will help both the local extension office and your farm
enterprises by compiling a pool of data that reflects the trends of farm ground leasing practices in
each county of the extension district.

As we have done in the past, the survey data will be compiled and summarized in the 2024
River Valley District Lease Survey Summary. These summaries will be presented at our annual
lease meeting, which will be held at The Branch (104 S Chestnut St., Clyde, KS) on Thursday,
January 30th, at 6:00 p.m. Snacks will be provided for the night. If you have any questions,
please contact either Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent Luke Byer at 785-632-5335 or
Livestock Production Agent Kaitlyn Nelson at 785-325-2121.