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
2025 applications will be posted Sep. 1, 2025 and the application deadline will be December 1, 2025.
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