1. What is a Farm Manager?

A Farm Manager is a professional who oversees the business, financial, and operational aspects of farmland on behalf of the landowner.

Farm managers commonly work with:

• Absentee landowners
• Retired farmers
• Heirs who inherited farmland
• Investors who own farmland but do not farm it themselves

They act as your representative to ensure the farm is profitable, well-maintained, and properly leased.

2. What does a Farm Manager do?

A Farm Manager typically:

Lease & Tenant Management

• Markets and negotiates farm leases (cash rent, flex leases, crop share)
• Screens and selects qualified tenants
• Ensures lease compliance
• Renews or renegotiates agreements

Financial Oversight

• Sets competitive rental rates based on local market data
• Collects rent
• Pays property taxes, drainage assessments, and farm expenses
• Provides detailed financial reporting
• Prepares year-end income/expense summaries

Farm Operations & Asset Protection

• Conducts regular farm inspections
• Monitors soil health and conservation compliance
• Oversees tiling, drainage, fencing, and improvements
• Helps maintain CRP compliance (if applicable)
• Coordinates repairs and capital improvements

Regulatory & Program Assistance

• Works with USDA/FSA offices
• Manages farm program enrollments
• Assists with crop insurance coordination (for crop share leases)
• Ensures conservation compliance

3. Who should consider hiring a Farm Manager?

You may benefit from a Farm Manager if you:

• Live out of state
• Inherited farmland but do not farm
• Are retired and no longer actively managing operations
• Want to maximize income while protecting long-term land value
• Do not have time to monitor tenants and lease terms
• Want professional oversight and reporting

4. How can a Farm Manager help with succession planning?

Succession planning can be complex, especially when farmland is being transitioned between generations. A Farm Manager can help support that process and provide continuity along the way.

A Farm Manager can:

Act as a Trusted Advisor

• Work with farms in transition regularly and bring experience to the process
• Serve as part of your advisory team alongside your attorney, accountant, and financial advisor
• Provide practical, real-world insight while others handle the legal and financial structure

Support Both Generations

• Offer guidance and knowledge to current landowners
• Be a reliable point of contact for the next generation
• Help bridge communication and expectations between family members

Maintain Stability During Transition

• Ensure consistent communication with the tenant
• Keep lease terms and operations running smoothly during ownership changes
• Reduce uncertainty for all parties involved

Help Execute the Plan

• Provide a go-to resource for the next generation
• Assist with carrying out the day-to-day aspects of the transition
• Help ensure the farm continues to perform as intended

5. How much does a Farm Manager cost?

Fees often vary depending on:

• Size of the farm
• Lease type (cash rent vs crop share)
• Services required
• Number of tenants

Many landowners find professional management increases net income enough to offset the fee. Contact us and we can quote you a price!

6. Do Farm Managers only handle cash rent leases?

No. They manage:

• Cash rent leases
• Flexible cash leases
• Hunting leases
• Pasture leases
• Crop share agreements
• Custom farming arrangements
• CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) land
• Conservation Easements

7. Will hiring a Farm Manager hurt my relationship with my tenant?

In most cases, it improves professionalism and clarity.

A good Farm Manager:

• Communicates expectations clearly
• Ensures fairness for both parties
• Creates consistent lease structures
• Removes personal friction

Many tenants prefer working with professional managers because expectations are clearly defined.

8. How often does a Farm Manager inspect the farm?

Most professional managers inspect:

• During growing season
• Post-harvest
• After major weather events

They document conditions and report back to the landowner.

9. What makes farmland management unique?

Farmland requires attention to:

• Drainage tile systems
• Soil fertility management
• Conservation compliance
• CSR2 soil productivity ratings
• Strong tenant relationships in competitive rental markets

The high value of farmland means professional oversight can significantly impact long-term returns.

10. Is hiring a Farm Manager worth it for smaller farms?

Yes, it can benefit if any size farm. Especially, if:

• The owner lives far away
• The owner lacks agricultural knowledge
• The farm has drainage or conservation complexities
• Family members want neutral third-party management

11. How do I choose a Farm Manager?

Look for:

• Strong local market knowledge
• Transparent fee structure
• Clear reporting practices
• References from other landowners
• Experience with soils and lease structures