Nebraska Farmland Leasing Basics
Leasing farmland is a common strategy for landowners who don’t farm themselves. Nebraska leases vary — from cash rent to crop share and flexible arrangements tied to yields. One critical aspect in Nebraska is the termination of verbal (handshake) leases: in unwritten year-to-year agreements, landlords must give tenants six months’ notice before the lease year ends, which is legally recognized by Nebraska courts as beginning March 1. If notice isn’t given by September 1, the existing tenant may retain lease rights another year. Written leases follow their own terms.
Negotiating clear lease terms — covering rent, input costs, water use, conservation practices, and termination notice mechanisms — protects both parties. For landowners, written leases reduce misunderstandings and help ensure compliance with legal requirements. For tenants, they provide predictability and clarify responsibilities.
