Don’t forget about the basics when considering leasing land.
Leasing farmland is so commonplace that landowners, farmers, and ranchers may not think twice about the lease itself. Until things go wrong. Prevent problems with a strong lease while building a path to a resilient future. Leasing basics will help to understand what a lease should include and how to put it in writing. Get started with the tools, knowledge, and skills needed to create a strong document that works for individual needs, whether you are a landowner, rancher, or farmer. Register at go.illinois.edu/LandLeasingBasics.
About the Legal Training for Illinois Small Farms Series
Legal risks can be fatal to a farm business, and addressing them proactively can keep farms in business. Having important information up front can help individuals expand operations, set up new businesses, build resiliency, and make the right decisions for themselves and their families. Just as important, understanding legal issues can dispel anxiety and help farmers realize their power to control their circumstances.
The Legal Series for Illinois Small Farms is a quarterly webinar series for all Illinois small farmers brought to you by Illinois Extension's Local Food Systems and Small Farms team and presented by Farm Commons. Farm Commons is a nonprofit organization that assists farmers in solving business law challenges in a community of support.
There is no cost to register for the series. Each session begins at 7 p.m. and lasts for one hour. Individuals just starting out or have farmed for years can learn tips to strengthen their legal confidence in running a farming operation.
For series questions or if you will need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact Nikki Keltner at nkeltner@illinois.edu, 815-235-4125. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.
Additional Series Sessions
Business Structure Basics | Oct. 22, 7 p.m.
Choosing a business structure is building a farm for the future. In the first session of the Legal Training for Illinois Small Farm webinar series, producers will learn how to apply straightforward decision-making factors to a situation. The session walks through the tax advantages and business practices and focuses on preventing problems with good governance. Whether just starting out or an established farm on the land for a few decades, this webinar will help anyone chart the next steps. Register at go.illinois.edu/BusinessStructureBasics.
Forming an LLC | Dec. 16, 7 p.m.
Producers are often curious about the details of an LLC. Most farmers choose the LLC as their preferred business structure and the good news is that forming one is quite simple. At the same time, farmers and ranchers need to know a few keys to ensure they get the benefits they expect from this entity. Join for a quick recap of why an LLC is a good risk management tool before going into how to form one, the best practices for implementation, and regular obligations to keep the LLC in top legal shape. Farmers who have had an LLC for years can learn a few things about preserving their resilience. Register at go.illinois.edu/FormingAnLLC.
Farm Property Insurance | June 23, 2025, 7 p.m.
Running a farm or ranch operation often depends on buildings, equipment, vehicles, and supplies for day-to-day success. If these valuable resources are lost or damaged, it can be devastating to profitability. Different types of property insurance can help address this risk, but only if the farmer clearly understands how these products work. Learn the basics of farm property insurance and what it covers in the final session of the webinar series. Register at go.illinois.edu/FarmPropertyInsurance.
