Ann Whitaker

Iowa farmers and landowners interested in converting underperforming cropland into pasture or hay ground can start by contacting their local USDA Service Center or Soil and Water Conservation District. Iowa also offers an online cost-share application portal to begin the process. Local staff can confirm whether your property qualifies and which funding opportunities are available. For landowners with acres that consistently struggle to produce profitable row crops, this program offers an opportunity worth exploring. What Is Iowa’s Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program? The Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program helps farmers and landowners establish pasture and hay on underperforming or highly erodible cropland. Its goal is to keep agricultural acres productive while improving water quality, reducing erosion, and providing additional forage for livestock. On October 26, 2026, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced a new $10 million USDA investment over five years to expand the program and support infrastructure improvements. Who May Qualify? The program serves livestock producers and landowners in participating areas. A good starting point is to identify fields—or portions of fields—that have low yields, erosion concerns, or potential for forage production. The program’s previously announced service area includes: Adams, Carroll, Cherokee, Guthrie, Ida, Page, Taylor, and Woodbury counties. Its 2026 expansion added Audubon, Boone, Buena Vista, Calhoun, Clay, Dallas, Dickinson, Emmet, Greene, Hamilton, Hancock, Humboldt, Kossuth, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Polk, Sac, Webster, Winnebago, and Wright counties. Being in a participating county does not automatically qualify every property. Ask local program staff to confirm eligibility for your specific acres and the applicable funding source. The October announcement does not identify the final additional counties that may be served by the new federal investment. How Do You Apply? 1. Contact Your Local Conservation Office Call or visit your local USDA Service Center and ask about the Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program. You can also contact your county Soil and Water Conservation District to discuss the project. Use the USDA Service Center Locator to find an office by state and county. A simple way to start the conversation is: “I own farmland in this county and am interested in converting some crop acres to pasture or hay. Is my property eligible for the Working Lands Program, and is funding available?” 2. Start an Online Cost-Share Application Visit Iowa’s Cost-Share Application Portal and select “Apply for Cost Share.” The portal allows applicants to establish an account, sign required documents electronically, and track an application through payment. It serves multiple conservation programs, so identify your interest in the Working Lands Program and confirm the correct application route with local staff. 3. Prepare Information About Your Farm To make the initial discussion more useful, have the following information available: Property location and approximate acres you want to convert. A map showing the fields or areas involved. Current land use and any available yield history. Your intended use: hay production, grazing, or both. Questions about fencing, livestock water, and forage establishment. This is a suggested preparation list. Your local office will explain the actual documentation required. 4. Review the Funding and Agreement Before Starting Ask program staff to explain: Which practices and expenses qualify. The payment rate and your share of the cost. Any acreage limits or maintenance requirements. When work may begin. How completion is verified and payment is issued. What happens if you sell or lease the property during the agreement. Before purchasing materials or beginning work, confirm whether written approval is required for those expenses to qualify. How Much Financial Assistance Can You Receive? The October 26 announcement does not publish a per-acre payment rate or a standard payment amount for individual farms. The $10 million is total project funding over five years. Landowners should request a current payment schedule and a project-specific estimate from their local office. Is There an Application Deadline? The October announcement does not provide a specific application deadline for the new federal funding. Earlier program guidance states that applications are funded on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on availability. Because funding sources and signup periods can differ, contact your local office promptly to ask about current openings and the new award’s application timeline. Does Converting Cropland Make Sense for Your Farm? Before making a change, compare the acres’ actual crop income with their potential use as pasture or hay. Include establishment expenses, fencing, water access, ongoing maintenance, and the availability of a livestock operator or hay market. Cost-share assistance can help with the transition, but the long-term use should fit your property and financial goals. At Whitaker Marketing Group, we help landowners evaluate farmland, explore buying and selling opportunities, and consider how a property’s characteristics affect its marketability. If you are considering a change in land use before buying or selling, contact our team to discuss your goals. For program eligibility and funding approval, start with your local USDA Service Center or Soil and Water Conservation District. Funding availability, application deadlines, eligibility requirements, and payment amounts are subject to change. Farmers and landowners should confirm current program details with their local USDA Service Center or Soil and Water Conservation District.    

Buying farmland in the fall can be a great opportunity for farmers looking to expand their operations or investors planning for the next growing season. However, one of the most important questions buyers should ask is: If I buy farmland this fall, when can I start farming it? The answer depends on the current lease, possession terms, and whether the land is rented to a tenant. In Iowa, purchasing farmland in the fall does not automatically mean you can farm it the following spring. Understanding tenant rights and lease termination deadlines is essential before making an offer. Can I Farm Land I Buy This Fall? Yes, you may be able to farm land purchased in the fall the following spring, but only if the property is available for the next crop season. For example, if you purchase an Iowa farm in October 2026, you may be able to plant crops in spring 2027 if the existing lease has been properly terminated or the land is otherwise legally available. However, if the farm is subject to a continuing lease, the tenant may have the right to farm it during the 2027 growing season. That is why buyers should always ask about possession before purchasing farmland. What Happens if the Farmland Is Currently Rented? Many Iowa farms are rented to local farmers through cash rent or crop-share agreements. If you purchase rented farmland, you generally take ownership subject to the tenant's existing lease rights. This means you cannot automatically remove the tenant or begin farming the property simply because you are the new owner. Before purchasing rented farmland, find out: Is there a written or verbal farm lease? Has the tenant received proper lease termination notice? When does the current lease expire? Will the buyer receive rental income? When will the buyer receive farming possession? These details can affect how soon you can use the property. What Is the September 1 Farm Lease Termination Deadline in Iowa? Iowa has specific rules regarding the termination of many agricultural farm leases. Under Iowa Code Section 562.7, notice to terminate a covered farm tenancy generally must be served by September 1 to terminate the tenancy effective the following March 1. For example: If proper termination notice was given by September 1, 2026: The lease generally ends March 1, 2027, allowing the new owner to take possession for the 2027 growing season, subject to the purchase agreement and any other applicable rights. If termination notice was not given by September 1, 2026: The lease may continue through the 2027 crop year. The new owner might not receive farming possession until March 1, 2028. Some leases and agricultural arrangements are subject to exceptions, so buyers should verify the exact lease terms and legal requirements before purchasing. Can I Buy Farmland After September 1 and Still Farm It Next Year? Yes. Buying farmland after September 1 does not necessarily prevent you from farming it the following year. There are several situations where farming possession may still be available. For example, the seller may have already provided proper termination notice before September 1. The farm may also be owner-operated without an existing tenant. In some cases, the current tenant may voluntarily agree to an early termination or surrender of the lease. The important thing to remember is that the purchase date and the farming possession date are not always the same. A buyer should never assume a farm will be available for spring planting without confirming the possession terms. What Is the Difference Between Closing Date and Possession Date? The closing date is when ownership of the property officially transfers to the buyer. The possession date is when the buyer receives the right to use or occupy the property, subject to any existing rights. These dates may be different. For example, you could close on a farm on November 15, 2026, but not receive farming possession until March 1, 2027. During that time, you own the farmland, but the existing tenant may still have rights to the property. This is common in farmland transactions throughout Iowa and the Midwest. Can I Do Fieldwork After Buying Farmland in the Fall? Possibly, but it depends on the lease and possession agreement. Fall fieldwork may include tillage, fertilizer application, soil sampling, or installing drainage tile. Even if the crops have been harvested, the tenant may still have possession rights. Before doing any work, buyers should confirm that they have permission to enter the fields and perform the intended activities. If fall fieldwork is important to your operation, consider negotiating early access as part of the purchase agreement. What Happens to the Cash Rent if I Buy Farmland in the Fall? If you purchase farmland that is currently rented, the handling of rental income should be addressed in the purchase agreement. Depending on the closing date and agreement terms, the seller may retain rent already received, or the buyer may receive a prorated portion of rental income. For example, if you purchase a farm in November and the tenant has already paid the full year's rent, the seller and buyer should clearly establish who is entitled to those payments. Buyers should review the lease, payment schedule, and purchase agreement before closing. Should I Buy Farmland in the Fall or Wait Until Spring? There are advantages to purchasing farmland during the fall. Fall purchases may allow buyers to prepare financing, develop crop plans, arrange equipment, and make decisions before the next planting season. Purchasing in the fall may also provide time to discuss future rental arrangements or farming plans. However, the best time to buy farmland depends more on the property, price, and possession terms than the season itself. A farm with excellent soil quality, a good location, and strong long-term potential may be worth considering even if farming possession is delayed. What Should I Ask Before Buying Farmland This Fall? Before bidding at a farmland auction or making an offer on a listing, ask these important questions: Is the farm currently rented? Was the lease properly terminated by September 1? Will I have possession for the next growing season? Can I complete fall fieldwork after closing? Will I receive any rental income? Are there any existing crop-share or cash rent agreements? Are there any restrictions that could delay farming? Getting clear answers before purchasing can help prevent misunderstandings and protect your investment. Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Farmland Purchases If I buy farmland in October, can I plant it in April? Yes, if the property is legally available for the upcoming crop season and you have received farming possession. Always verify the existing lease and possession terms before purchasing. Does buying farmland automatically cancel the tenant's lease? No. A change in ownership generally does not terminate an existing farm lease. The new owner typically takes ownership subject to the tenant's rights. What if the seller forgot to terminate the farm lease? If a covered Iowa farm lease was not properly terminated by the September 1 deadline, it may continue for another crop year unless an applicable exception or valid agreement changes the situation. Can a tenant agree to leave early? Yes. A tenant and landowner may be able to negotiate a voluntary lease termination or surrender agreement. Any agreement should be documented in writing. When does farming possession usually begin in Iowa? March 1 is a common farm tenancy termination and possession date in Iowa. However, the actual date depends on the lease, applicable law, and purchase agreement. Work With an Experienced Iowa Farmland Broker Buying farmland is a major investment, and understanding when you can take possession is an important part of the process. At Whitaker Marketing Group, we help farmland buyers and sellers throughout Iowa and the Midwest navigate farmland auctions, listings, lease considerations, and possession terms. Whether you are expanding your farming operation, purchasing your first farm, or investing in agricultural land, our team can help you understand the details before making a decision. Thinking about buying farmland this fall? Contact Whitaker Marketing Group to learn more about available farmland and upcoming land auctions.  

Owning farmland does not automatically mean you qualify for Harvest Fuel Relief payments. Before counting on a payment, confirm how USDA’s eligibility requirements apply to your farming operation, rental arrangement and crop ownership. On October 19, 2026, USDA announced the Harvest Fuel Relief Program, making $8 billion available for one-time payments to American farmers facing higher input costs and temporary market disruptions during harvest. For Iowa farmers and farmland owners, the first question is simple: Does my operation qualify? Below are the questions to ask before including an expected payment in your farm budget. What Is the Harvest Fuel Relief Program? The Harvest Fuel Relief Program is a newly announced USDA assistance program for farmers. USDA describes the assistance as one-time payments intended to help address financial pressure during the 2026 harvest season. Is This a Diesel Tax Credit or a Farmer Relief Payment? USDA’s announcement describes a payment program. Farmers should not assume that claiming a fuel tax credit or filing a tax return enrolls them in Harvest Fuel Relief. When asking about the assistance, use the program’s full name so your question is directed to the correct program. I Own Farmland. Will I Receive a Payment? Do not assume you will receive a payment simply because your name is on the deed. Start by explaining your arrangement to USDA’s Farm Service Agency: Do you grow and sell the crop? Do you cash rent the land to another farmer? Do you receive a share of the crop? Do you own the crop but hire someone to plant, spray and harvest? These arrangements raise different eligibility questions. Ask FSA to confirm which person or entity may apply under the program’s requirements. If I Cash Rent My Farm, Does the Landlord or Tenant Get the Payment? Do not count on a landlord payment without confirming eligibility with FSA. Tell FSA who owns the crop, who pays production expenses and how the rental agreement works. A cash lease and a crop-share lease should not be treated as the same arrangement. Landowners and tenants should also discuss who will contact FSA so both parties understand the answer. What If I Own the Crop but Hire Out All the Fieldwork? Hiring custom operators does not give you a confirmed eligibility answer by itself. If you own the crop and pay others to perform fieldwork, explain that clearly to FSA. Ask how the program treats your crop ownership, production expenses and reported acreage. Do not assume that you must personally operate the machinery—or that hiring the work guarantees a payment. Does Filing Schedule F Automatically Qualify Me? Do not treat Schedule F as proof of eligibility or automatic enrollment. When contacting FSA, ask what producer records, acreage reports and application documents are required for your operation. Your tax filing and your USDA program application serve different purposes. Confirm the actual requirements before assuming you qualify. Do Farmers Have to Apply? USDA says pre-filled applications will be available online for producers who have a Login.gov account linked to USDA. A pre-filled application should not be mistaken for a completed or approved application. Ask FSA when you can apply, what you must review and whether additional information is needed. How Much Will Farmers Receive Per Acre? This article does not provide a verified Harvest Fuel Relief payment rate. Before calculating an expected payment, obtain the official rate for your commodity and confirm which acres and producer shares qualify. Be careful with dollar amounts shared online. A rate from another USDA program or another crop year should not be used to estimate this payment. How Much Would a Farmer With 76 Acres Receive? Having 76 acres is not enough information to calculate a reliable payment. You would first need confirmation of: Your eligibility. The eligible crop and acreage. Your qualifying share. The applicable payment rate. Any limits or adjustments. Total farm acres may differ from the acres that qualify. Wait for those details before putting a dollar amount in your budget. When Will Payments Arrive? Confirm the payment schedule directly with FSA before relying on a particular date. An announcement date, an application opening and a payment date are separate milestones. Avoid scheduling a purchase or loan payment around an unconfirmed deposit. What Should Farmers Do Now? Our practical recommendation is to prepare your questions and review your records. Contact your local FSA office about Harvest Fuel Relief. Explain your ownership, rental or custom-farming arrangement. Ask whether your acreage and producer records need updating. Check your access to your USDA-linked Login.gov account. Confirm application dates and required documents. Request the official payment information for your operation. Keep a record of the guidance you receive, especially if your farm involves multiple owners, tenants or entities. Will These Payments Help Farmers Buy Farmland? Potential assistance may be relevant to a buyer’s cash-flow planning, but it does not establish what a farm is worth or what a buyer can afford. From a farmland planning perspective, confirmed assistance could provide additional financial flexibility. However, an expected one-time payment should be considered separately from the farm’s ongoing earning ability. When evaluating a purchase, review production potential, operating costs, financing, taxes and available working capital. Build the purchase decision around a budget that can support ownership over time. If I Buy Farmland Now, Will the Payment Transfer to Me? Do not assume a payment transfers with the deed. Before assigning value to an expected payment, ask FSA how the program treats the relevant crop year, producer, acreage and ownership changes. If a buyer or seller expects to receive assistance, resolve that question before including it in negotiations. Where Can I Find Information Directly From USDA? Start with USDA’s official announcement: Trump Administration Announces $8 Billion Harvest Fuel Relief Program Use USDA and your local FSA office to verify program requirements. Treat social media estimates and informal eligibility claims as questions to check. Have Questions About Buying or Selling Iowa Farmland? Understanding your farm’s finances is part of making a sound land decision. Whitaker Marketing Group helps farmland owners, farmers and investors evaluate buying and selling opportunities across Iowa and the Midwest. Whether you are considering another farm or planning a sale, we can help you understand the property and your options. Contact David Whitaker at 515-460-8585 or visit WMGauction.com. Land is our Brand. Program information is based on USDA material verified for this article as of October 21, 2026. Questions without a verified program-specific answer are identified above. Farmland purchasing observations are Whitaker Marketing Group’s planning perspective, rather than USDA eligibility guidance.