The Iowa Legislature created the DNR Lease to Beginning Farmer Program as a way to provide leasing opportunities to beginning farmers. This program is offered and administered by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Eligibility
To lease the DNR land through this program a Beginning Farmer must be certified as eligible by the Iowa Agricultural Development Division (IADD) of the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA)
- Applicants must be a resident of Iowa and 18 years of age at the time of application.
- Have a net worth of no more than $820,000 (2025).
- Have a sufficient education, training or experience for the anticipated farm operations.
- Have access to adequate working capital, equipment and other items that are necessary to operate the farm.
- Be the operator of the farm they are wanting to lease.
Application Process
- Complete an application to be certified as a Beginning Farmer through Iowa Finance Authority by December 1, 2025.
- Available leases are posted on the DNR website no later than November 1, 2025 for 2026 crop year leases. Reach out to the DNR contact listed on their website by December 1, 2025, if you are interested in a lease.
- Iowa Finance Authority will notify applicants and DNR once the application has been approved or denied by December 31, 2025.
- Priority will be given to first time beginning farmers if more than one applies for a specific lease.
- If more than one beginning farmer applies for the same lease, lots will be publicly drawn to determine who gets the lease.
- If no beginning farmers apply for a lease, it will be offered to the general public.
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