WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A conference designed for landowners hoping to strengthen management strategies, protect investments and maximize opportunities is scheduled for two locations in October: Oct. 5 in Wabash, Ind., and Oct. 6 in Terre Haute, Ind.

The Land Of Opportunity: A Conference for Farmland Owners will be hosted by Purdue University Extension. Registration for the event is open until a few days before the conference. The cost is $40. For more information and to register, visit https://bit.ly/land-of-opportunity.

“(The conference) is designed to help farmland owners become more informed and confident stewards of their agricultural assets,” explained Jenna Nees, Putnam County Extension director. “The program aims to deepen landowners’ understanding of topics such as farmland leasing, conservation practices, legal considerations, taxes and effective communication with tenant farmers.

“By providing research-based education and practical resources, Purdue Extension seeks to empower landowners to make informed decisions, navigate lease negotiations with confidence, protect and enhance the value of their investment, and build strong, productive landlord-tenant relationships.”

The long-term goal, she noted, is to ensure that Indiana farmland remains productive, profitable and sustainable for future generations while supporting the continued success of the farmers who depend on it.

The conference program includes several break-out sessions at both locations on such topics as USDA program updates and conservation opportunities; renewable energy contracts; navigating farmland leases; soil health and land productivity; revenue strategies for forest landowners, and farm succession planning and family communication.

Access to farmland is essential for agricultural production, and a significant portion of Hoosier farmland is owned by landowners who lease their acres to farmers, Nees said.

“As land ownership becomes increasingly complex, particularly among absentee landowners and in areas experiencing development pressure, there is a growing need for this type of education,” Nees pointed out. “By helping landowners better understand their role in farmland management, we can foster stronger landlord-tenant relationships and promote the long-term productivity and sustainability of our agricultural lands.”

The conference is designed for a broad range of farmland and woodland owners, including farmers who own land, absentee landowners, individuals who live on or near their property and those who many inherit agricultural land in the future, Nees said.

The Purdue Landlease Team will discuss enhancing pasture leases during the conference. Nees said Purdue Extension educators do receive questions about pasture leases, though not as many requests as they get for farmland leases.

While negotiating a pasture lease, individuals should consider stocking rate, which Nees called one of the most important parts of a pasture lease because it helps ensure the pasture is not overgrazed and remains productive for the long term.

The number, type and size of livestock allowed on the pasture should be defined in a pasture lease, she said. This will help balance economic returns with the health and quality of the grass stand, she added.

“Pasture rental rates should reflect the productivity of the pasture, but factors such as location, water availability, landowner services and local market conditions also play an important role in determining a fair lease rate,” Nees said. “A well-written pasture lease should clearly outline responsibilities for pasture management, including stocking rates, water access and fertility practices, to help maintain pasture quality and avoid misunderstandings between the landowner and tenant.”

The Oct. 5 conference will be in the Honeywell Center, 275 W. Market St., Wabash, and the Oct. 6 event will be in the Terre Haute Convention Center, 800 Wabash Ave., Terre Haute. Registration check-in for both days begins at 8:15 a.m. eastern time. The program is from 9 a.m.-3:20 p.m. eastern.