For female farm operators and landowners who find themselves in a position to run their operations for the first time, the University of Missouri Extension offers a lunch and learn online series, “Farm Management – On My Own,” comprised of five educational opportunities to learn the basics of ag leasing, Missouri farmland values, rental rates and custom work rates.

“I put this series together because I saw a need for this type of education based on the number of calls I was getting from women who were widowed, divorced or single and who were running their farms by themselves for the first time,” said Amie Breshears, MU Extension ag business specialist in Benton County.

“The goal of this series is to educate and empower female landowners and farm operators as decision-makers by equipping them with knowledge and resources,” said Breshears.

Although the program was designed for female landowners and farm operators, all are welcome to participate in this informal, participant-driven and learner-focused event.

The seminar series will lend participants access to the most recent cash rental rate and farmland value data in Missouri which can help them make sound decisions when entering or negotiating a leasing agreement or when considering financial decisions related to land investments.

Costs related to custom work, land values and renting ag land shift over time. By understanding current values in relation to a landowner or farm operator’s broader financial picture can help them maximize profitability and prepare for sustainable success, said Breshears.

The “Farm Management – On My Own” series can give participants sufficient time for leasing agreements that might need to be established or modified in 2026, and rental rates can be revisited.

“You’ll gain confidence when discussing these topics with tenants, landowners or other decision-makers in the operation,” said Breshears.

The series runs for five weeks, for 30 minutes each, over the lunch hour. (12:15-12:45 p.m. Thursdays):

• July 10, Ag Leasing – Basic components of a lease

• July 17, Ag Leasing – Types of leases

• July 24, Missouri farmland values

• July 31, Missouri rental rates

• August 7, Missouri custom work rates

The cost is $25 per person, which includes all five sessions.

Register at https://bit.ly/3S8hpqN or by mailing your $25 payment to the Benton County MU Extension Center at P.O. Box 969, Warsaw, MO 65355. Make checks payable to Benton County MU Extension. You may also register by calling your county Extension office

Contact: Amie Breshears, 660-438-5012, abreshears@missouri.edu, or the Benton County Extension Office.