The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension is excited to announce a new suite of online resources designed to support Wisconsin farmers and landowners in navigating the complexities of agricultural land, pricing, and contracts. Available now, these resources provide valuable, research-based information on a variety of topics including land valuation, custom operations and machinery rental, and solar energy leases.

This suite of resources is designed to provide practical, Wisconsin-specific insights that help farmers navigate these issues and make informed decisions that benefit their operations and the greater agricultural economy.

The online format allows farmers to find answers to specific questions and make decisions at their own pace. Visit farms.extension.wisc.edu/ag-land-pricing-contracts to explore the resources.

Key features include:

• Farmland sale values and rental rate averages
  Farmers and landowners can now access updated information on agricultural land values, providing insights into how market conditions, location, and other factors influence land prices. These tools help stakeholders make informed decisions regarding land transactions, leases, and estate planning.
• Custom contract resources
  The resource suite includes expert guidance on drafting and negotiating custom contracts, including equipment rental, fertilizer and chemical application, planting, harvest operations, and other labor services. The materials assist farmers in crafting agreements that are both fair and legally sound, ensuring stronger partnerships and clearer expectations.
• Solar energy leasing information
  As more farmers explore alternative revenue streams, the solar leasing section offers essential information on negotiating contracts with solar developers. Farmers will learn about the economic, environmental, and operational impacts of leasing land for solar projects, empowering them to make decisions that align with their long-term farm management goals.

Wisconsin farmers can greatly benefit from enhanced financial planning through up-to-date agricultural land and custom operation pricing data and analysis, enabling better business decisions when buying, selling, or leasing land or contracting custom services. Solar leasing resources also empower farmers to explore alternative energy contracts, allowing them to diversify income streams and leverage their land for long-term sustainability. 

Visit the Agricultural Land, Pricing, and Contracts page to learn more.