Most farms will hire an employee at some point, and even a little planning can help avoid problems later. In this episode, Tim and Kristiana discuss some of the employment rules that can come into play on the farm.

Resources:

U.S. Dept. of Labor guidance on Agricultural Employment

• Fact Sheet #12: Agricultural Employment Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) | U.S. Department of Labor
• Fact Sheet #40: Overview of Youth Employment (Child Labor) Provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for Agricultural Occupations | U.S. Department of Labor

Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing Wage and Child Labor Unit Guidance

• • Wage | Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing
  • Child Labor | Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing

In this episode, Kristiana and Tim reflect on recent workshops and discuss recurring themes in farm estate and succession planning, including the importance of involving multiple generations in the planning process.

Resources:

Business, Estate and Succession Planning | Beginning Farmer Center

In this bonus episode, Tim and Kristiana continue the discussion about leasing farmland in Iowa. They discuss the Iowa State University Cash Rental Rates Survey and other tools landowners and tenants can use to determine and negotiate lease rates.

Resources:

2026 Farmland Leasing Arrangements Meetings Offered Across Iowa | Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Home

Cash Rental Rates for Iowa 2026 Survey - Ag Decision Maker File c2-10.pdf

Computing the Iowa Corn Suitability Rating for Your Farm | Ag Decision Maker

Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Program | Economic Development & Finance Authority

AgLink | Beginning Farmer Center

Tim and Kristiana discuss farmland leasing in Iowa, including lease terms successful arrangements, and important dates to keep in mind as farmers are thinking about the next crop season.

Resources:

Strong farmland leasing arrangements | Ag Decision Maker

Ag Decision Maker - Iowa State University

https://www.calt.iastate.edu/iowa-farm-lease-law

In this episode, Kristiana and Tim discuss how revocable trusts can be used in farm estate and succession planning, and how they differ from wills. They cover why probate matters, how trusts can help simplify asset transfers, and why families should consider their goals, assets, and circumstances when choosing planning tool.

Resources: Farm Estate and Succession Planning for the Farm Portal (ISU Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation): https://www.calt.iastate.edu/estate-and-succession-planning Evaluating Your Estate Plan: Estate Planning Questionnaire (Ag Decision Maker) c4-57.pdf Farm Estate and Succession Planning for the Farm Book: https://shop.iastate.edu/extension/farm-environment/farm-and-business-management/estate-planning/calt5.html

Tim and Kristiana discuss USDA’s Livestock Risk Protection, and how it can be used by beginning and established producers of all sizes.

Resources:

RMA quote page: https://www.rma.usda.gov/tools-reports/livestock-reports-lrp-lgm

RMA agent finder: https://www.rma.usda.gov/tools-reports/agent-locator

Ag Decision Maker File B1-50 Livestock Risk Insurance Plans for Cattle Producers: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/livestock/html/b1-50.html

https://shop.iastate.edu/extension/farm-environment/farm-and-business-management/estate-planning/calt5.html

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/wholefarm/html/c4-57.html

https://www.calt.iastate.edu/transition-planning-terms

https://www.calt.iastate.edu/

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/homepage.html

The episode welcomes ISU field agronomist Aaron Saeugling to the podcast to share his expertise on soil sampling and report analysis, along with management considerations for both new and experienced producers in Iowa.

Resources mentioned in today's episode: https://shop.iastate.edu/extension/farm-environment/crops-and-soils/soil-fertility-and-management/pm1688.html