By Jessica Domel
Multimedia Reporter
Not all leases are the same. They should be in writing. And it’s best if hunting rights are established before the season actually begins.
Those are just a few of the issues Agricultural Law Specialist Tiffany Dowell Lashmet and economist Dr. Greg Kaase, both from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, will address in the upcoming Ranchers Leasing Workshop Nov. 8 in Waco.
The free half-day seminar is the last leasing workshop the pair will host in 2018.
The deadline to register is Thursday, Nov. 1.
“We really try to focus on leasing issues affecting ranchers,” Lashmet said in an interview with the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Radio Network. “We really look at grazing leases, hunting leases and livestock leases.”
Lashmet and Kaase will discuss why leases should be in writing, how much a landowner should charge, payment structures and key terms that should be included.
“Then we spend a good amount of time talking about landowner liability and different ways that a landowner can protect himself or herself from liability related to leasing and just owning property in general,” Lashmet said.
The workshop is designed for both landowners and tenants.
“We’ve done about nine of these over the last couple of years here in Texas,” Lashmet said. “We’ve had over 700 people come. The majority have been landowners, but at every program, we always have a good number of tenants, as well.”
All attendees will receive a copy of the Ranchers Agricultural Leasing Handbook.
“It’s about 120 pages. There are chapters on everything from why put leases in writing to why leases can be useful if you’re a landowner or tenant,” Lashmet said. “The portion of the book that folks like the best is we have checklists for things to think about when you’re drafting a grazing, hunting or livestock lease.”
The handbook also contains sample language that corresponds with the checklists.
“Our evaluations have shown people have really used those resources even after they leave the program,” Lashmet said.
A free lunch is included with the program.
Reservations are required by Nov. 1 to Lashmet at tdowell@tamu.edu. You can also call 806-677-5681.
The free workshop will begin at 9 a.m. Nov. 8 at the Emergency Services Education Center at McLennan County Community College in Waco.
Upcoming presentations will be posted to Lashmet’s blog.