Lease Meetings
Many factors have increased the need of both landlords and tenants for current information related to leasing farmland.  Nearly 100 Region 18 stakeholders who participated in farmland leasing meetings in Adair and Union Counties received updated land value and cash rental rate surveys.  Methods of determining fair cash rents and how to write and terminate a farm lease were major learning focuses.  These meetings provided information regarding factors impacting land values and trends in farmland ownership.

 

Highlights from Cass, Adair, Adams, Union, Clarke, Taylor, Ringgold and Decatur counties:

• Community Visioning
  Lamoni participated in Community Visioning in 2007 and has since completed seven projects. Three of the projects include landscaping along Main Street, downtown flower baskets and banners. Using the visioning plan that was developed in 2007, Lamoni has leveraged more than $18,000 in grant funds for the projects and is continuing to work on ideas developed during the visioning exercise. Projects have been completed by and are maintained by volunteers. A wide range of Lamoni residents have been involved in the projects, including Graceland University graphic design students submitting ideas for the banners and senior citizens providing refreshments for planting days.
• Reach Out Iowa
  Six Reach Out Iowa community service projects were led by Adair County youth during the year. The service-learning initiative focuses on youth partnering with adults to identify needs, design and implement a project, and engage in reflection. A total of 291 youth assumed leadership roles and an additional 644 youth were involved in carrying out the projects. Several projects made a difference in the region: Holiday Mail for Heroes, Nodaway Valley Middle School Service Club Food Drive, Cases for Causes, farm safety kits and a fairground improvement project.
• Crop Advantage
  Two area Crop Advantage Series were held in Osceola and Atlantic for more than 110 area producers. Presenters offered information in a format that participants could apply to their operations, some of which is critical to management decision-making. As producers utilize the information and management decision skills, rural communities will benefit from more profitable farming operations.
• For more information, visit: Cass, Adair, Adams, Union, Clarke, Taylor, Ringgold and Decatur county webpages