Does this agreement need to be notarized?

Not necessarily. Most farm contracts are enforceable without notarization, but instruments that transfer or encumber real property often require a notary. Check county recording requirements and state law when the agreement affects title or requires recordation.

Can I sign electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96, 2000) and UETA where adopted, provided the parties demonstrate intent, consent, attribution, and retention capability. Exceptions may apply for certain recorded instruments or court filings.

What if the parties disagree after signing?

Disputes are resolved under the contract's dispute resolution clause. If absent, remedies derive from state contract law; arbitration clauses usually require claims to proceed in arbitration, which can limit litigation costs and time.

How should payments be documented?

Record payment amounts, dates, and methods in the agreement and supporting receipts. For crop-share arrangements, document gross receipts, deductions, and calculation steps to avoid later accounting disputes.

Who should review the agreement?

A qualified attorney should review high-value transactions or unusual clauses. Legal review helps identify tax consequences, perfection requirements for security interests, and potential exposure from indemnity language.

How do I modify the agreement later?

Use a written amendment signed by all parties. Oral modifications are risky; an executed amendment preserves the chain of agreement and the parties’ intent for future enforcement.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Agricultural Farmer Agreement

Agricultural Farmer Agreement

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

AGRICULTURAL FARMER AGREEMENT

This Agricultural Farmer Agreement ("Agreement") is made as of by and between Landowner: and Farmer: .

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Landowner is the legal owner or authorized manager of agricultural land located at (the "Property"), and holds rights to enter into contracts for the production of agricultural crops on the Property;

WHEREAS, Farmer represents that Farmer possesses the experience, equipment, labor and licenses necessary to provide agricultural services and to cultivate, manage and harvest the crop(s) described herein; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth the terms and conditions under which Farmer will perform operations, and Landowner will compensate Farmer, as provided in this Agreement.

1. PARTIES AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Landowner Address Farmer Address Primary Contact for Notices

2. SCOPE OF WORK

Farmer shall provide labor, equipment, seed, chemicals and management necessary to perform the operations described below and in any attached work schedules. Farmer will carry out the work in a good and workmanlike manner, consistent with agricultural industry standards, and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Crop Type(s) Acreage to be Managed Detailed Scope (planting, cultivation, pest control, harvest, post-harvest handling)

3. PAYMENT TERMS

In consideration for the performance of the Scope of Work, Landowner shall pay Farmer as set forth below. All payments are due in United States dollars and shall be made to the payee designated by Farmer.

Total Agreed Payment or Fee Structure Payment Schedule and Terms Invoice Due Days Late Payment Fee

Payment Method (select applicable) Check ACH/Bank Transfer Other

4. TERM AND TERMINATION

This Agreement commences on and continues until unless earlier terminated as provided herein.

Notice Period for Termination Without Cause

Either party may terminate this Agreement for material breach by the other party if the breach remains uncured for thirty (30) days after written notice specifying the breach. In addition, either party may terminate immediately for failure to carry required insurance, for willful misconduct, or for persistent nonperformance. Termination shall not relieve either party of obligations accrued prior to termination.

5. CONFIDENTIALITY

Each party shall keep confidential all nonpublic business information disclosed by the other party that is identified as confidential or that reasonably should be understood to be confidential given the nature of the information and the circumstances of disclosure ("Confidential Information"). Confidential Information shall not include information that is or becomes public through no breach of this Agreement, independently developed without reference to Confidential Information, or rightfully received from a third party without restriction. Confidential Information may be disclosed to comply with law or court order only after the disclosing party provides prompt written notice to the other party and cooperates to seek protective relief.

6. INSURANCE, INDEMNIFICATION AND COMPLIANCE

Farmer shall maintain liability and workers' compensation insurance covering Farmer's operations and personnel at commercially reasonable limits and shall provide certificates of insurance upon request. Farmer shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Landowner from and against any claims, liabilities, losses or expenses arising from Farmer's negligent acts or omissions, willful misconduct, or breach of this Agreement. Landowner shall indemnify Farmer for claims arising from Landowner's negligence or failure to disclose known hazards on the Property.

Both parties shall comply with all applicable environmental, pesticide, labor and agricultural laws, rules and regulations. Farmer shall maintain accurate records of inputs, pesticide usage and harvest as required by law and shall permit Landowner reasonable access to such records upon request.

7. FORCE MAJEURE

Neither party shall be liable for delay or failure to perform to the extent such delay or failure is caused by events beyond the reasonable control of that party, including acts of God, floods, drought, storms, wildfire, epidemics, labor disputes, civil unrest or governmental actions. The affected party shall notify the other promptly and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to resume performance.

8. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of without regard to its conflict of law principles. Venue for any action arising out of this Agreement shall lie in the state or federal courts located in the county where the Property is situated, unless otherwise mutually agreed in writing.

9. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement, together with any attachments, schedules and written amendments signed by both parties, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties concerning the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations and agreements, whether written or oral. Any modification of this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.

10. MISCELLANEOUS

If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. No waiver of any breach shall constitute a waiver of any other breach. The parties acknowledge that they have had the opportunity to seek independent legal counsel and that the terms hereof are the product of mutual negotiation.

Additional Provisions / Special Terms

Landowner:

By:

Date:

Farmer:

By:

Date:

What an Agricultural Farmer Agreement Covers

An Agricultural Farmer Agreement is a written contract that sets the rights, obligations, and commercial terms between parties engaged in farming activities — for example a landowner and tenant, a grower and buyer, or a farmer and an input supplier. Typical topics include term and renewal, rent or payment calculations, crop share or cash rent formulas, delivery and quality standards, insurance and indemnity, equipment access, and dispute resolution. Properly executed agreements reduce ambiguity about seasonal responsibilities, allocation of production risk, and who pays which costs during the contract term.

Why a Clear Agreement Matters for Farming Operations

A well-drafted Agricultural Farmer Agreement allocates operational risk, clarifies payment and crop handling, and creates enforceable remedies if a party fails to perform.

Who Typically Prepares or Signs This Agreement

These agreements are used by individuals and organizations of varying scale across the agricultural supply chain.

Farm owners and operators who need to document tenancy, crop-share terms, or service arrangements.
Buyers, grain elevators, cooperatives, and packers contracting for crop delivery and quality standards.
Lenders, equipment lessors, and input suppliers who require collateral, payment terms, or service guarantees.

Parties should confirm signatory authority and any state-specific witness or notarization requirements before execution.

Typical Signers and Their Roles

Farmer / Operator

Primary party responsible for planting, production, and day-to-day farm management. Signs to accept operational duties, payment formulas, and risk allocations; may need to disclose liened equipment or crop security interests.

Landowner / Lender

Owner or financier providing land, capital, or inputs. Signs to confirm rent or repayment terms, rights to inspect, insurance requirements, and remedies for default.

Essential Clauses to Include in an Agricultural Farmer Agreement

A complete agreement balances operational detail with clear legal terms; include measurable standards and administrative provisions to reduce disputes.

Parties and Definitions

Accurately identify each party, roles (lessor, lessee, grower), and key defined terms such as 'crop', 'harvest', and 'gross proceeds' to avoid ambiguity in interpretation.

Term and Renewal

Specify effective date, duration, renewal options, and early-termination conditions so planting and harvest cycles align with contract obligations.

Payment and Rent

Detail cash rent, crop-share calculations, payment timing, withholding, and treatment of subsidies or crop insurance proceeds when they affect payments.

Operational Responsibilities

Assign planting, cultivation, fertilizer and pesticide application, irrigation, maintenance, and equipment use responsibilities clearly between parties.

Insurance and Indemnity

Identify required policies, named insureds, limits, and indemnity language allocating loss from negligence, natural disaster, or third-party claims.

Delivery, Quality, and Dispute Resolution

Set delivery points, quality standards, testing procedures, remedies for nonconforming product, and a dispute resolution path such as mediation or arbitration.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete the Agreement

Follow these sequential steps to prepare, review, and finalize the Agricultural Farmer Agreement.

01

Gather documents: Collect IDs, land records, insurance certificates, and prior agreements.
02

Draft terms: Populate core clauses: payment, term, responsibilities, and delivery standards.
03

Review with counsel: Have an attorney review risk allocations and tax consequences.
04

Execute and distribute: Obtain signatures, notarize if required, and provide copies to all parties.

How to Configure an Online Signing Workflow

Set document fields, authentication, and routing to match who signs and when so the online workflow mirrors on-paper execution steps.

Field	Configuration
Signature Fields	Place signature, initials, and date fields for each signer
Conditional Fields	Show or hide fields based on checkbox selections
Authentication	Use email link or add SMS/KBA for higher assurance
Routing Order	Sequence signers to require stepwise approvals

Digital Signing and eSubmission Considerations

Choose signing options that meet legal and operational needs, including signer authentication and audit trail capture.

File Formats: PDF, DOCX accepted
Authentication: Email, SMS code, or stronger
Audit Trail: IP, timestamp, and action log

Confirm the chosen eSignature provider supports required security, retention, and any industry-specific compliance such as HIPAA or 21 CFR Part 11 if relevant.

Where to File or Deliver the Signed Agreement

Determine the official repository and distribution path for executed copies so all parties and relevant authorities can access the agreement when needed.

Primary Parties: Each signer retains an executed copy
Lender or Agent: Submit signed copy to financing party if required
County Records: Record only if instrument affects real property
Insurance Carrier: Provide policy evidence when required

Security and Compliance Features to Look For

Encryption: AES-256 at rest

Transport: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit

Audit Trail: Detailed IP and timestamp logs

Certifications: SOC 2 Type II available

Privacy: GDPR and CCPA compliance

Healthcare: HIPAA available with BAA

Key Risks and Consequences of Errors

Ambiguous Terms: Contract disputes and litigation

Wrong Signatory: Enforceability challenges

Missing Fields: Payment or delivery disputes

No Notarization: Recordation or probate issues

Tax Errors: Penalties or backup withholding

Improper Retention: Noncompliance with regulators

Practical Tips for Accurate Completion

Apply these practical measures to reduce errors and improve enforceability when preparing an Agricultural Farmer Agreement.

Use precise measurement

Specify acreage, units of measure, and delivery tolerances to reduce ambiguity and prevent disputes over quantity or quality.

Document insurance

Require proof of insurance and name required additional insureds to ensure coverage is in place before planting or transfer of risk.

Record changes

Track amendments in writing with dated signatures rather than relying on oral modifications to preserve enforceability.

Confirm authority

Verify signers’ authority for entities and include printed names and titles to help enforce performance obligations.

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Document Execution

Comparison of common provider starting prices and key envelope limits; signNow is listed first per comparison conventions used here.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Envelope Cap	No envelope cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies	Varies	Varies

Real-World Use Cases for Agricultural Farmer Agreements

Practical examples highlight how different parties structure agreements to meet operational needs.

Land Lease Example

A landowner leases 120 acres for a three-year term with cash rent and seed cost sharing

Crop-share set at 30% of net proceeds
The agreement required detailed harvest delivery points, insurance naming the lessor as additional insured, and a clear default remedy to protect both parties.

Contract Growing Example

A packing company contracts a grower for specified quality and delivery windows

Price set per bushel with quality penalties
The contract included testing procedures at delivery, transportation responsibilities, and an arbitration clause to expedite dispute resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions About Agricultural Farmer Agreements

Answers to common questions about execution, enforceability, and practical issues when completing these agreements.

Need help? Contact support

Does this agreement need to be notarized?
Not necessarily. Most farm contracts are enforceable without notarization, but instruments that transfer or encumber real property often require a notary. Check county recording requirements and state law when the agreement affects title or requires recordation.
Can I sign electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96, 2000) and UETA where adopted, provided the parties demonstrate intent, consent, attribution, and retention capability. Exceptions may apply for certain recorded instruments or court filings.
What if the parties disagree after signing?
Disputes are resolved under the contract's dispute resolution clause. If absent, remedies derive from state contract law; arbitration clauses usually require claims to proceed in arbitration, which can limit litigation costs and time.
How should payments be documented?
Record payment amounts, dates, and methods in the agreement and supporting receipts. For crop-share arrangements, document gross receipts, deductions, and calculation steps to avoid later accounting disputes.
Who should review the agreement?
A qualified attorney should review high-value transactions or unusual clauses. Legal review helps identify tax consequences, perfection requirements for security interests, and potential exposure from indemnity language.
How do I modify the agreement later?
Use a written amendment signed by all parties. Oral modifications are risky; an executed amendment preserves the chain of agreement and the parties’ intent for future enforcement.

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