Monday July 20 Ag News - Terminating a Verbal Lease - Landlord/Tenant Cash Rent Wksps - Rasby Retires from UNL - Iowa Farmers Attend Corn Congress - Ruveon Withdraws USDC Petition on Glyphosate - and more!

Terminating a Verbal Farmland Lease in Nebraska
Jessica Groskopf, Nebraska Extension Educator, UNL Agricultural Economist

Some farm leases are not written but are verbal or "handshake" agreements. Because nothing is in writing, the parties may have different recollections of their agreement, making lease disputes more difficult to resolve. The most common legal issue associated with verbal farm leases is how a lease may legally be terminated. For verbal leases in Nebraska, six months advance notice must be given to legally terminate the lease. In contrast, the termination of a written lease is determined by the terms of the written lease. If the lease does not address termination, the lease automatically terminates on the last day of the lease.

Terminating verbal leases
For verbal leases, the Nebraska Supreme Court has ruled that the lease year begins March 1 and runs through the final day of February the following year. Notice to a tenant to vacate under a verbal or handshake lease (legally referred to as a "notice to quit") must be given six months in advance of the end of the lease, or no later than September 1. This rule applies regardless of the type of crop planted. Those with winter wheat should consider providing notice before it is time to prepare wheat ground for planting.

For example, suppose a landlord wants a new tenant (or a buyer) to farm the ground starting with the lease year that begins March 1, 2027. The current tenant must receive the termination notice no later than Sept. 1, 2026. If the tenant receives that notice on time (by the Sept. 1, 2026, deadline), the current lease ends Feb. 28, 2027. The new tenant can take over March 1, 2027. 

If the tenant in the example above receives the notice to terminate after Sept. 1, 2026, then the lease renews for another year. That means the current tenant keeps the ground through Feb. 29, 2028.

Notice should be provided to the tenant for either lease termination or changing lease provisions. A verbal termination notice might be adequate but could be difficult to prove in court if litigation were necessary to enforce the lease termination. It is recommended that the farmland lease be terminated by Registered Mail™.  This means that the person receiving the letter signs for it, providing evidence that the termination notice was received. The University of Nebraska – Lincoln does not provide sample lease termination letters. If you need guidance, consult your attorney.

Pasture Lease Terminations
Handshake or verbal leases are different for pastures. The typical pasture lease is for the five-month grazing season rather than the entire year. The lease is only in effect for that time, so the lease is terminated at the end of the grazing season; however, different lease length arrangements can be made in a written lease, and that would be followed if in effect. 

Importance of Good Communication
Regardless of the type of lease — written, verbal, or even multiple year — the landlord should have clear communication with the tenant. By sending a termination notice before September 1, even for written leases, you can avoid any miscommunication or pitfalls.

Written Leases
In all instances, written leases would be preferred over oral or “handshake” leases. Sample leases are available in the Document Library at aglease101.org and can help both parties start thinking about the appropriate lease conditions for their situation before they consult an attorney to draft a lease or review a proposed lease. The Ag Lease 101 site was developed by university extension specialists in the North Central Region but is not a substitute for personal legal advice.



2026-2027 Landlord/Tenant Cash Rent Workshops to Cover Ag Land Leasing and Management

Wondering whether your cash rent reflects current land values, or whether your lease agreement covers you if something goes wrong? A new series of workshops across Nebraska this fall and winter is built to answer those questions.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability will present a series of 2026-2027 landlord/tenant cash rent workshops for Nebraska landowners and operators, beginning in August 2026.

The workshops will cover current Nebraska cash rental rates and land values, best practices for agricultural leases, and other land management considerations. The meeting will also include discussions on managing financial and legal risk, providing attendees with an opportunity to have their land questions answered. 

Extension agricultural economists Anastasia Meyer and Jim Jansen will lead the presentation. Both are with the Center for Agricultural Profitability.

Schedule and Registration Details
    Fremont: Aug. 13, 1-4 p.m., at the office of Nebraska Extension in Dodge County, 1206 W. 23rd St. Refreshments sponsored by Peoples Company. Register by Aug. 12 at 402-727-2775. 

A meal or snacks and refreshments will be offered at each meeting, sponsored by Peoples Company.

The meetings are free to attend, but registration is requested by the day before each workshop by calling the local Nebraska Extension office. 



Federal Agencies Rescind Regulatory Definition of "Harm" Under the Endangered Species Act
Nebraska Farm Bureau 

On July 14, 2026, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric administration finalized a rule that rescinds the long-standing regulatory definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Since 1975, federal regulations have interpreted "harm" to include habitat modification or degradation that significantly disrupts essential behavioral patterns, such as breeding, feeding, or sheltering — even in the absence of direct contact with an animal. By removing this specific regulatory language, the agencies are narrowing the scope of what constitutes an illegal "take" under the ESA, shifting federal enforcement away from indirect, habitat-based claims and refocusing it on the statutory text that targets direct, affirmative acts against wildlife.

This rule represents a fundamental shift in ESA enforcement, moving toward a more constrained and predictable legal standard. By eliminating the regulatory interpretation that equated routine habitat management with the "taking" of a species, the federal government aims to dismantle a source of major frustration for private landowners. While statutory protections against direct injury or death to protected species remain in full effect, this rescission effectively ends the practice of using broad, indirect interpretations of "harm" to regulate land use. This change serves as a critical move to stop the expansion of federal oversight into areas that were never intended to be governed by the original statute.

For Nebraska agriculture, this change is a significant victory for certainty and common sense. It eases the burden on producers who have long shouldered the responsibility of being both the stewards of the land and the ones most impacted by unpredictable federal mandates. While core ESA protections against direct injury to species remain unchanged, this rule reduces the need for unnecessary incidental take permits and lowers the risk of federal intervention in day-to-day farm management. By prioritizing clear, statutory language over expansive administrative interpretations, this shift provides producers with the stability to plan for the future, knowing that their primary business assets—their land and water — are no longer subject to the same level of regulatory ambiguity.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation Welcomes Three New Team Members

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is thrilled to welcome three new team members who will support the organization’s mission and help expand agricultural literacy efforts across Nebraska.

Joining the Foundation are Faith Oldemeyer, student worker; Ashlyn Boeckenhauer, Agriculture in the Classroom summer intern; and McKenna Schlueter, education specialist for western Nebraska.

Oldemeyer joined the Foundation in spring 2026 and supports day-to-day operations through event coordination, resource fulfillment, and administrative support. Originally from Firth, Nebraska, she brings firsthand agricultural experience from her family’s farming operation and a strong background in production agriculture. Oldemeyer began her studies at Southeast Community College before transferring to Fort Hays State University to pursue a degree in agricultural communications.

Boeckenhauer joined the Foundation in May 2026 as the Agriculture in the Classroom summer intern. In her role, she develops and facilitates agriculture-based activities for students participating in Lincoln summer youth development programs. Raised on her family’s cow-calf and row crop operation near Wakefield, Nebraska, she developed an early appreciation for agriculture and is passionate about strengthening connections between producers and consumers. She is pursuing a degree in animal science with a minor in agricultural communications at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and is involved in Collegiate Farm Bureau and the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program.

Schlueter joined the Foundation in June 2026 as education specialist for western Nebraska. She is based in Alliance, Nebraska and develops and delivers agricultural literacy programming for students and educators through classroom visits, camps, clubs, festivals, virtual field trips, and fairs. She grew up helping with her family’s cow-calf operation near Woodlake, Nebraska. Originally from Blair, Nebraska, she has been actively involved in Farm Bureau for years, including Collegiate Farm Bureau and Nebraska Young Farmers and Ranchers.



Rasby retires after 40 years of impact on Nebraska beef industry

Rick Rasby, professor of animal science and Nebraska Extension cow/calf specialist, retired June 30 after 40 years of service to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Nebraska’s beef industry.

Rasby leaves a legacy of supporting the state’s beef producers, providing research-based information and helping lay the groundwork for practical tools and resources.

Originally from Sutherland, Nebraska, he first immersed himself in the livestock industry through Lincoln County 4-H, livestock judging and hands-on experience working for local ranchers in the Nebraska Sandhills.

"Rick was raised at the Lincoln County Fair and could practically lead a calf before he could walk," said Mike Kelly, CEO of Western Nebraska Bank and a longtime family friend. "The cattle and beef industry has always been in his heart."

Rasby attended Mid-Plains Community College before continuing his education in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Nebraska on the pre-veterinary track. While veterinary school did not become his next step, the coursework prepared him to pursue a master’s degree and doctorate at Oklahoma State University.

When considering the next step in his career, he chose the university and Nebraska Extension based on prior research experience and the impact of his county extension agent, Harlon Luttrell. For Rasby, the position offered an opportunity to work directly with producers while continuing to engage in applied research.

Colleagues Jim Gosey and Ivan Rush became early mentors as Rasby settled into his role in 1986, demonstrating the importance of developing solutions alongside producers rather than simply providing recommendations.

"Producers will challenge you in a way you do not realize, but that is a good thing because it helps you think a lot broader," Rasby said.

Throughout his career, Rasby focused on developing programs and resources that producers could use to make informed decisions.

He played an integral role in the creation of programs such as Quality Feeds for Quality Feeding, PC Cow Card and Integrated Reproductive Management.

The introduction of the internet in the mid-1990s created new opportunities to provide producers with information and resources. Under Rasby’s direction, the UNL beef website was established.

Initially, the website functioned as a frequently asked questions forum driven by producer inquiries. Within two months, Rasby enlisted colleagues to help respond to the growing volume of questions. Today, the website continues to serve as a resource hub for cattle producers in Nebraska and beyond, providing timely information, educational resources and the BeefWatch newsletter.

During his career, Rasby also served in leadership roles, including associate dean of extension and agriculture program leader. However, he considers mentoring graduate students among his most meaningful accomplishments.

With a smaller research appointment, Rasby worked with only a handful of graduate students, but he takes pride in helping prepare them for careers in the beef industry.

"Working with the graduate students was like iron sharpening iron to me," Rasby said. "I learned just as much as the students learned from me."

His roots and early experiences in the beef industry helped him connect with producers in a way that did not go unnoticed by colleagues.

Richard Clark, professor emeritus of agricultural economics, said Rasby had a unique ability to "speak the language" of producers.

"Rick was open in the way that he worked with producers," Clark said. "He was welcoming, conversational, nonjudgmental and humble."

While the beef industry has changed significantly during Rasby’s career, he believes one thing has remained constant.

"What has not changed over the years in my career is that we have really good producers out there, not only in Nebraska, but across the nation," Rasby said.

Over the past four decades, producers have adapted to rising input costs while embracing advancing technology and new management strategies. Extension has evolved, as well, expanding from phone calls and in-person meetings to include websites, webinars and newsletters.

Despite those changes, Rasby believes trusted relationships and science-based information remain at the core of extension’s work.

"Rick has earned the trust and respect of Nebraska cattle producers by making research-based information practical, accessible and relevant," said Brent Plugge, livestock systems extension educator. "Whether through his leadership in developing the beef website, mentoring graduate students or supporting colleagues, he has always been committed to helping others succeed."



Iowa Corn Farmers Attend 2026 Corn Congress to Advocate for Policy Priorities

Last week, Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) farmer-leaders and the Iowa Corn Leadership Enhancement and Development (I-LEAD) Class 12 attended the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Corn Congress meetings to advocate for key agricultural issues and priorities. Priority issues included nationwide, year-round passage of E15 in the Senate, renewal of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), bipartisan development and passage of a new Farm Bill and reduction of high input costs through increase exploration of consolidation within the fertilizer industry and removal of countervailing duties and tariffs. 

Iowa farmer-leaders met with congressional offices including Senators Ernst and Grassley and Representatives Feenstra, Hinson, Miller-Meeks and Nunn. In addition to the Iowa offices, attendees met with congressional offices from across the country who do not have an established corn grower organization they can connect with to share how corn and ethanol impact their state and our country. 

“Attending Corn Congress is imperative because the decisions made in Washington directly dictate our farms back home,” said Mark Mueller, ICGA President and farmer from Waverly, Iowa. “While we face complex regulatory and economic headwinds, the most effective tool we possess is our collective perspective. When Iowa farmers show up to share the day-to-day realities of our operations, we provide lawmakers with the essential context they need to make informed decisions. Ultimately, telling our individual stories isn't just about protecting our own family farms; it is about driving the policy outcomes that strengthen the agricultural economy for corn growers across Iowa.” 

Iowa Corn leaders also met with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary Luke Lindberg, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and attended a U.S. House Ag Committee Meeting.  

Iowa corn farmer Stu Swanson from Wright County was elected to the NCGA Board for a three-year term. He will represent Iowa’s corn growers at the national level to push for policies that enhance the profitability and productivity of U.S. corn growers. 

Additionally, Iowa farmers met with other state and national farmer leaders to discuss policies they would like to see NCGA implement and establish at the federal level. For more information on ICGA’s policy priorities, visit iowacorn.org.



Iowa Hosts Largest Barn Tour in the World - September 19-20

If you are looking for something different to do on a September weekend, consider taking a self-guided tour of Iowa’s historic barns.

The Iowa Barn Foundation is holding its 26th Annual All-State Barn Tour on Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20, featuring over 100 barns across the state that will be available for visiting inside and out from 9-5 both days. Iowa is proud to host the largest barn tour in the world!

The fall tour highlights barns that have received a restoration grant from the foundation and those that have received an Award of Distinction or Preservation Award for restoration funded by the owner. Many of the owners will be on hand to share their memories and regard for the structures and answer your questions.

This year’s tour includes 108 stops, including 12 barns which are on the tour for the first time. If you have only seen barns from the road, you are missing out on the true beauty which lies within the walls. That is where you will see the true craftsmanship that went into the construction of these “cathedrals on the prairie.” The tour includes a record 16 round barns, which are some of the most rare and unique barns in the state. This is great multi-generation weekend activity for the whole family to experience history “in the real.”

Barns included in this year's tour include
The Plymouth County Fair Round Barn - Plymouth County
Conover Barn - Ida County 
Hazel Harvey Barn - Pottawattamie County
Wooster Barn - Shelby County
Sextro Crib - Carroll County
Moore Old Barn, Brown's Barn, & Taylor County Round Barn - Taylor County

The self-guided fall tour is free and open to the public, made possible by member donors. An interactive online tour guide can be found at iowabarnfoundation.org/barn-tours. Member donors receive the foundation’s spring and fall magazines in their mailboxes filled with barn photos and stories as well as a printed tour guide and map. New members should sign up by August 31st to ensure delivery of the fall magazine before the tour. Learn more about membership at iowabarnfoundation.org/product/membership. Questions can be emailed to iowabarnfoundation@gmail.com.

As a volunteer-led non-profit, the Iowa Barn Foundation’s goal is to maximize member donations to provide restoration grants to save the state’s historic barns. Since being founded in 1997, the foundation has given out $2.6 million dollars in grants to help save over 300 barns. The foundation does not receive any government funding, so it is 100% dependent on private donations to fund its programs. 



Corn Growers Commend Glyphosate Petition Withdraw

Ruveon, a subsidiary of Bayer, announced today that it will withdraw its petition to place countervailing duties on imported supplies of glyphosate, following intense pressure from the National Corn Growers Association and other commodity groups. In response to this development, NCGA President and Ohio farmer Jed Bower released the following statement: 
 
“We commend Ruveon for listening to its customers and withdrawing this petition. As we have highlighted multiple times in recent weeks and months, input costs are a top concern of growers and for good reason. Actions like the ones Ruveon planned to take would have made an already bad situation even worse.  
 
“Farmers are the ones who purchase and use these products, and too often we have felt that we, the customer, are of little importance. We strongly encourage all input providers to consider the full impact of their actions on growers, who are essential to the companies’ bottom line. Farmers appreciate the value that input providers bring to their operations and wish to be a good partner, working together for the betterment of our industry. But as we have made clear, farmers cannot and will not bear this relationship at any cost. It is past time for companies to have honest conversations with their customers, and we welcome dialogue with any provider wishing to work together to address input prices.”   



ASA Welcomes Withdrawal of Glyphosate Petition

The American Soybean Association welcomes Ruveon's decision to withdraw its petitions filed with the International Trade Commission and U.S. Department of Commerce seeking antidumping and countervailing duties on glyphosate imports from China.

"We appreciate Ruveon's decision to withdraw the antidumping and countervailing duty petitions after listening to the concerns about affordability and access raised by ASA, soybean farmers, and other agricultural organizations," said Scott Metzger, ASA President and soybean farmer from Ohio. "ASA provided extensive feedback to Ruveon following the filing of the petitions and again this week during our Board of Directors meeting. Ruveon’s decision reflects the value they place on farmer customers who rely on access to affordable crop protection tools to remain productive and globally competitive. We appreciate Ruveon's willingness to engage with growers and respond to their concerns, and ASA looks forward to continuing this important dialogue."

ASA remains committed to working with stakeholders and policymakers to ensure soybean farmers have access to the crop protection tools they need to remain productive, profitable, and sustainable for generations to come.

Ruveon, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bayer. On June 30, 2026, Monsanto Company and Ruveon, LLC filed antidumping and countervailing petitions on glyphosate imported from China with the International Trade Commission and U.S. Department of Commerce. Ruveon produces about 60% of glyphosate sold in the U.S. 



United States and Mexico to Convene in Mexico City for Third Bilateral Negotiating Round Related to the Joint Review of the USMCA

On July 21, the United States will meet with Mexico in Mexico City for the third bilateral negotiating round related to the Joint Review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).  Negotiating teams will convene for three days to advance discussions on issues regarding trade in steel and aluminum and derivative products, automobiles, economic security, labor, agriculture, and electronic payment services.  

“I thank Secretary Ebrard and his team at the Secretariat of Economy for their collaboration over several months to reinforce the U.S.-Mexico bilateral trade and economic relationship,” said Ambassador Greer.  “This work has yielded many successes, including recent progress on issues identified in the 2026 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers.  I look forward to building on this progress to ensure that the U.S.-Mexico trading relationship benefits U.S. manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, workers, service suppliers, and businesses of all sizes, and closes any loopholes that would allow free-riding by non-Parties.” 

Areas of Improvement: 
    Economic Security: In July 2026, Mexico published an updated measure regulating the export of dual-use items that more closely aligns Mexican and U.S. export controls.
    Intellectual Property (IP): As noted in the 2026 Special 301 Report, Mexico has taken substantial actions to address significant IP concerns in the areas of pharmaceutical IP, criminal and administrative enforcement, border enforcement, and enforcement against online piracy.
    Customs and Trade Facilitation: In May 2026, Mexico introduced an upgrade to its single window system and a new framework to streamline cross-border trade operations.  In July 2026, Mexico operationalized its customs broker agency program at all Mexican ports. 
    Environment: Mexico is taking steps towards addressing the export of avocados grown on illegally deforested land.  Mexico is also taking steps to control more effectively the discharge of industrial wastewaters into the Southwestern United States.
    Telecommunications Equipment: Mexico made changes to simplify testing requirements, helping to facilitate U.S. telecommunication equipment exports to Mexico.

USTR continues to work constructively with the Secretariat of Economy to address the trade barriers identified in the National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers. 
 


Ambassador Greer to Travel to Mexico for Continued USMCA Joint Review Bilateral Talks

Ambassador Jamieson Greer will travel to Mexico from Wednesday, July 22, to Friday, July 24, to continue bilateral discussions related to the Joint Review of USMCA.  During the bilateral meetings, Ambassador Greer and Secretary Ebrard will discuss a range of topics including, steel and aluminum and derivative products, automobiles, economic security, labor, agriculture, and electronic payment services. 

Ambassador Greer will also meet with President Sheinbaum at the National Palace to discuss progress in negotiations related to the USMCA Joint Review.