ISU Extension Buena Vista County

06/11/2026

06/11/2026

06/11/2026

Understanding Iowa Cash Rental Rates

The ISU Extension and Outreach Cash Rental Rates for Iowa 2026 Survey is now available. With half of Iowa farmland under a rental agreement, this is a very popular publication. The survey shows typical cash rental rates by county for acres in corn and soybeans, as well as for land devoted to hay, oats, and pasture at the crop reporting district level.

The full 12-page 2026 publication is on the Ag Decision Maker website go.iastate.edu/SURVEYRESULTS and Extension Store shop.iastate.edu/extension/fm1851.html.

The results show typical rental rates for high-, medium-, and low-quality cropland, along with hay ground and pasture. It’s important to remember that these are not exact figures for individual farms. Instead, they reflect general trends and averages based on local knowledge and experience.

One of the strengths of this survey is the number of people who contribute. In recent years, more than 1,400 respondents have shared information, representing over 1.8 million rented acres across Iowa. This wide range of input helps paint a reliable picture of current conditions.

Even so, rental rates can vary quite a bit from one farm to another. Factors like soil quality, drainage, field size, and ease of farming all play a role. Local markets, crop prices, and the details of a lease agreement can also influence what makes sense for both the landowner and the tenant.

Because of this, the survey works best as a starting point. It can help guide conversations and provide a benchmark, but it shouldn’t be the only factor used when setting a rental rate.

In the end, a fair agreement comes from looking at both the data and the specifics of the farm. This survey is a useful tool to help both sides make more informed decisions and move forward with confidence.

In addition to reviewing survey results, it can be helpful to revisit agreements each year and keep communication open. Markets, input costs, and conditions can change quickly, and regular check-ins allow both parties to adjust as needed. Taking time to compare the survey with your own farm’s performance can lead to a more balanced and long-term working relationship.

Contact: Tim Christensen, Farm Management Specialist, [email protected], (515) 493-8232

06/04/2026

Next Saturday! Please join us at the Newell Golf Course!

06/03/2026

🍩 Think you have what it takes to be the Buena Vista County Fair Donut Eating Champion? 🍩

Join us on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 12:00 PM on the UBI/Bomgaars/Tyson Stage for one of the sweetest competitions at the fair!

Thanks to our friends at Storm Lake Bakery, contestants will race to see who can finish their donuts the fastest and earn bragging rights as the 2026 Donut Eating Champion! 🏆

🎉 Age Divisions:
🍩 Ages 3–5
🍩 Ages 6–9
🍩 Ages 10–12
🍩 Ages 13 & Up

🏅 Winners in each division will receive a certificate and a delicious sprinkle donut!

No pre-registration required—just bring your appetite and be ready for some sticky, sprinkle-covered fun!

📍 Buena Vista County Fairgrounds
📅 July 12, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM

Who do you think will take home the title? Tag your friends and family members who should enter! 👇🍩

06/03/2026

Are your lilacs healthy, or are they a bit overgrown?

The best time to prune healthy, well-maintained spring-flowering shrubs, such as lilac and forsythia, is immediately after flowering. (Well-maintained shrubs should only require light to moderate pruning.) Pruning after flowering allows us to enjoy the flower display and gives the shrubs time to produce new flower buds for next season.

The best time to rejuvenate or renovate large, overgrown shrubs is late winter or early spring (March or early April). Heavy pruning at that time will reduce the flower display for 2 or 3 years, but will restore the overall health of the shrubs.

ISU Extension and Outreach - Agriculture and Natural Resources Iowa Master Gardeners

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

06/03/2026