Are electronic signatures valid on these agreements?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA where adopted. For interstate contracts, ESIGN governs; for intrastate matters, state UETA or ESRA rules may apply.

When is notarization required?

Most contracts do not require notarization. Notarization is only required for certain instruments (real estate conveyances, some affidavits). Check state law and lender or grant conditions before notarizing.

Can I use remote online notarization (RON)?

Many states permit RON with identity proofing and audio-video recording. Verify state-specific RON rules and retention requirements before relying on remote notarization.

Who must sign to bind an entity?

A signer must have authority to bind the entity. Confirm corporate authorization, officer title, or a signed power of attorney to avoid later challenges to enforceability.

How should I store executed agreements?

Maintain a signed PDF with audit trail and backups in secure storage. Retain per applicable federal and state retention rules and industry requirements for audits and tax reporting.

What if a party wants to revoke or amend the agreement?

Revocation or amendment requires the procedure set out in the contract. Amendments should be in writing, dated, and signed by authorized parties; unilateral revocations risk breach and damages.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Agriculture Contracting Agreement

Agriculture Contracting Agreement

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

AGRICULTURE CONTRACTING AGREEMENT

Parties and Effective Date

This Agriculture Contracting Agreement (the Agreement) is entered into effective as of (Effective Date), by and between:

Contractor Name: Contractor Entity Type:

Individual Corporation LLC Partnership

Contractor Address: Client Name: Client Entity Type:

Individual Corporation LLC Partnership

Client Address:

Recitals

WHEREAS, Contractor has the equipment, labor, experience and expertise to perform agricultural services including but not limited to planting, cultivation, crop protection, and harvesting; and

WHEREAS, Client is the owner or operator of agricultural lands described as (Property) and desires to engage Contractor to provide such services under the terms set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, the parties intend that the services, compensation and allocation of risk be set forth in a written agreement.

Scope of Work

Contractor shall perform the agricultural services described below in a competent and workmanlike manner in accordance with accepted industry standards and applicable law. The services shall include labor, supervision, and use of equipment as expressly stated.

Detailed Scope of Work: Work Location(s) and Plot Reference:

Payment Terms

Client shall pay Contractor for services rendered as follows. All payments are due in U.S. dollars and are payable according to the schedule below.

Total Contract Amount: Payment Schedule (milestones or dates): Deposit / Advance: Late Payment Fee:

Payments not received within days of the due date shall incur a late fee of , and interest thereafter at a rate of % per month or the maximum permitted by law, whichever is less.

Term and Termination

This Agreement shall commence on and continue until unless earlier terminated in accordance with this Section.

Either party may terminate this Agreement for convenience upon days' prior written notice to the other party. Either party may terminate immediately for material breach by the other party that remains uncured for ten (10) days after written notice, or immediately for certain safety, environmental or regulatory violations that pose imminent risk.

Insurance, Indemnity and Liability

Contractor shall maintain at its sole cost commercial general liability insurance, automobile liability insurance and workers' compensation as required by law and appropriate to the services performed. Contractor shall provide certificates of insurance upon Client's request.

Contractor agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Client, its agents and employees from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of Contractor's negligent acts, willful misconduct or breach of this Agreement, except to the extent caused by Client's negligence or willful misconduct.

Confidentiality

Each party shall keep confidential all non-public business information received from the other party in connection with this Agreement, including crop yields, pricing, proprietary techniques and financial information (Confidential Information). Confidential Information shall not include information that is or becomes publicly available other than through breach of this provision or is independently developed without reference to the other party's Confidential Information.

The receiving party shall use at least the same degree of care to protect Confidential Information as it uses to protect its own confidential information, but in no event less than reasonable care.

Compliance with Laws and Safety

Contractor shall perform all work in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, including those governing pesticide application, environmental protection, labor and safety. Contractor shall ensure personnel are trained and certified where required.

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of without regard to conflict of law principles.

The parties agree to attempt in good faith to resolve disputes by negotiation and, if unsuccessful, by mediation. If mediation fails, disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration administered in the county of the governing state selected above, unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.

Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for delays or failures in performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, weather events materially affecting agricultural operations, epidemic, riot, or governmental action; provided that the affected party gives prompt written notice and uses commercially reasonable efforts to resume performance.

Entire Agreement; Amendments

This Agreement, including any written attachments, exhibits and accepted work orders, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral. No amendment or modification shall be effective unless in writing and signed by authorized representatives of both parties.

Notices

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses listed above or to such other address as a party designates by written notice. Notices shall be deemed given when delivered personally, by certified mail, or by commercial overnight courier.

Additional Provisions

Equipment and Materials Supplied By:

Contractor supplies equipment: Yes No Materials (seed, chemicals, fertilizer) supplied by:

Special Conditions or Attachments:

The parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date first written above.

Contractor

Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Title/Capacity:

Client

Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Title/Capacity:

What an Agriculture Contracting Agreement Is

An Agriculture Contracting Agreement is a written contract that sets out the rights, duties, and payment terms between a landowner, farm operator, contractor, or service provider for agricultural work or supply of inputs. Typical uses include planting, harvesting, equipment rental, custom spraying, seasonal labor, and produce purchase or marketing arrangements. The agreement defines scope of work, performance standards, payment schedule, insurance, indemnity, inspection rights, dispute resolution, and any liens or security interests tied to crop production or equipment.

Why a Formal Agriculture Contracting Agreement Matters

Using a written agreement clarifies expectations, reduces disputes, and documents obligations tied to seasons, weather, and crop cycles. It protects payment rights, defines liability and insurance coverage, and preserves remedies such as lien filings or indemnities.

Core Sections Every Professional Agreement Should Include

A professional Agriculture Contracting Agreement should be organized, unambiguous, and include clauses that address performance, payment, risk allocation, and legal process. Use clear exhibits and schedules for technical details.

Parties

Identify all parties by full legal name, entity type, and contact details so responsibility and authority are unambiguous.

Scope of Work

Describe tasks, standards, acres/fields, equipment to be used, materials supplied, and measurable acceptance criteria or inspection procedures.

Payment Terms

State rates, payment schedule, retainage if any, invoicing requirements, and remedies for late payment including interest or suspension of work.

Insurance & Indemnity

Specify required insurance types and limits, named insureds, and mutual indemnity language covering property damage and personal injury.

Liens & Security

Address UCC-1 or crop lien rights, whether assignments to lenders are permitted, and procedures for filing or releasing security interests.

Termination & Remedies

Define termination rights, cure periods, dispute resolution (mediation/arbitration), and choice of governing law and venue.

Step-by-Step: Completing the Agreement

Follow these steps in order to complete, validate, and execute the agreement so it is enforceable and ready for filing or e-signature.

01

Prepare details: Gather names, field IDs, insurance certificates, and payment terms before drafting.
02

Define scope: Write a clear scope of work and attach maps, rates, and schedules as exhibits.
03

Confirm authority: Have signers confirm authority to bind their organizations before signing.
04

Execute properly: Sign, date, notarize if required, and retain copies for all parties.

How to Configure an Online Signing Workflow

Set up an online workflow to collect signatures in the correct order, authenticate signers, and route completed documents to stakeholders.

Field	Configuration
Signing Order	Sequential or parallel as needed
Authentication	Email link, SMS code, or KBA
Conditional Fields	Show fields based on role or answers
Notifications	Email copies to accounting and record custodian

Where Signed Agreements Should Be Sent or Filed

After execution, route the signed agreement to parties and place official copies with records custodians to support payment, insurance, and compliance.

To the Parties: Each party receives a fully executed copy for their records.
Accounting Team: Send invoices and signed payment terms to accounts payable.
Insurance Broker: Provide proof of insurance or endorsements where required.
File Custodian: Store the signed master copy in the contract repository.

Technical Requirements for Digital Signing and Distribution

Use a platform that supports common file formats, audit trails, and integrations with your document systems.

File Formats: PDF and DOCX input and signed PDF output
Integrations: Connects to Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365
Authentication: Email, SMS code, or stronger 2FA options

Key Dates to Track for Agricultural Contracts

Track execution, performance windows, insurance renewals, payment due dates, and any tax reporting deadlines tied to contractor payments.

Contract Effective Date:

Use MM/DD/YYYY — marks start of obligations and warranty periods.

Performance Window:

List planting/harvest dates that define contractor responsibilities.

Insurance Renewal:

Renew before expiration to maintain continuous coverage.

Payment Due Dates:

Adhere to invoiced terms to avoid interest or stoppage.

1099-NEC Reporting:

Report nonemployee contractor payments to recipients and IRS by Jan 31 (1099-NEC).

Common Mistakes That Create Disputes

Vague scope descriptions that omit acreage, locations, or measurable acceptance criteria, making performance subjective and disputes likely.
Failure to confirm the signatory’s authority, resulting in later challenges to enforceability and delays in payments or remedy actions.
Not updating insurance or failing to require certificates of insurance with endorsements naming the landowner as additional insured.
Neglecting to include payment schedule and retainage details, which can lead to withheld payments and contractor liens.

Penalties and Legal Risks of an Incorrect Agreement

Tax Penalties: IRC §6721 penalties for incorrect/missing information returns

I-9 Violations: 8 CFR §274a.2: fines for improper employment verification

Lien Exposure: Failure to preserve lien rights can forfeit security

Insurance Gaps: Uninsured losses may shift liability to parties

Breach Damages: Contract breaches expose parties to compensatory damages

Fraud Risk: Intentional falsification may produce criminal exposure

Real-World Scenarios Where These Agreements Help

Two common examples illustrate how clear contracts reduce dispute risk and support timely payments across agricultural projects.

Small Farm Harvest Contract

A family farm hires a contractor for custom harvesting and sets fixed per-acre pricing and insurance proof requirement.

The agreement requires inspection on delivery and immediate invoicing.
As a result, the farm avoided a payment dispute by relying on the contract’s acceptance criteria and invoice timeline, preserving buyer relationships and lien rights.

Equipment Rental Agreement

A grower rents a combine for seasonal work and specifies operator qualifications and fuel responsibilities.

The contract ties payment to hours worked and crop yield contingencies.
When mechanical issues delayed work, the contract’s remedy clauses and schedule adjustments limited both downtime and cost disagreements, enabling quick insurance claims.

eSignature Pricing Comparison for Agreement Execution

Compare basic pricing and core features for commonly used e-signature vendors when planning to execute Agriculture Contracting Agreements electronically.

	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
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No envelope cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies	Varies	Varies

Frequently Asked Questions About Agriculture Contracting Agreements

Answers to common questions about execution, notarization, signatures, and post-execution handling for agricultural contracts.

Need help? Contact support

Are electronic signatures valid on these agreements?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA where adopted. For interstate contracts, ESIGN governs; for intrastate matters, state UETA or ESRA rules may apply.
When is notarization required?
Most contracts do not require notarization. Notarization is only required for certain instruments (real estate conveyances, some affidavits). Check state law and lender or grant conditions before notarizing.
Can I use remote online notarization (RON)?
Many states permit RON with identity proofing and audio-video recording. Verify state-specific RON rules and retention requirements before relying on remote notarization.
Who must sign to bind an entity?
A signer must have authority to bind the entity. Confirm corporate authorization, officer title, or a signed power of attorney to avoid later challenges to enforceability.
How should I store executed agreements?
Maintain a signed PDF with audit trail and backups in secure storage. Retain per applicable federal and state retention rules and industry requirements for audits and tax reporting.
What if a party wants to revoke or amend the agreement?
Revocation or amendment requires the procedure set out in the contract. Amendments should be in writing, dated, and signed by authorized parties; unilateral revocations risk breach and damages.

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