Can the agreement be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are legally binding under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided the parties demonstrate intent, consent, attribution, and record retention. Exceptions such as certain real-estate conveyances or court filings may apply.

Is notarization required to make it enforceable?

Generally, a farming agreement does not require notarization to be enforceable between parties, but notarization or recording may be necessary when the agreement creates a real property interest or when local practice or third parties (lenders, title companies) require it.

What if the names or signatures don't match?

Mismatched names can create attribution disputes and tax reporting issues; correct party names before signing, and attach an amendment or affidavit if errors are discovered after execution.

How do I record the agreement?

Record only when the agreement creates an interest that should be public. Check county recorder requirements for form, fees, and whether notarization or witnesses are required for recording.

How can the agreement be revoked or amended?

Follow the amendment and termination clauses in the agreement. Mutual rescission requires clear written consent by both parties; unilateral revocation may breach contract and create liability.

Who has authority to sign for an entity?

An authorized representative with corporate or trust signing authority should sign. For entities, include printed name and title; obtain proof of authority (board resolution or power of attorney) as needed.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Farming Farmer Agreement

Farming Farmer Agreement

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

Farming Farmer Agreement

This Farming Farmer Agreement (the Agreement) is made effective as of by and between the parties identified below.

Parties

Owner / Landowner Name Owner / Landowner Address

Owner is an entity type: Individual LLC Corporation Partnership

Farmer / Operator Name Farmer / Operator Address

Farmer is an entity type: Individual LLC Corporation Partnership

Whereas

WHEREAS, Owner owns or controls certain agricultural land located at (the Property); and

WHEREAS, Farmer has the skill, equipment, and experience to cultivate, manage, and harvest the crops described in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Owner and Farmer desire to set forth the terms under which Farmer will perform agricultural activities on the Property and the compensation to be provided by Owner.

Scope of Work

Farmer shall perform all planting, cultivation, irrigation management, pest and disease control, fertilization, maintenance, harvesting, and on-site post-harvest handling necessary for the production of the agreed crop(s) on the Property. Specific duties, performance standards, and crop budgets shall be as described below.

Detailed Scope of Work

Payment Terms

Compensation for Farmer's services shall be as set forth in this section. All amounts are paid in lawful currency and reflect full compensation for labor, supervision, and ordinary materials unless otherwise specified.

Total Compensation (per season or annual) Payment Schedule and Method

Late payment shall accrue interest at the rate of % per month on any unpaid balance after a -day grace period from the invoice date. Owner shall be responsible for reasonable collection costs, including attorney fees, incurred in enforcing payment.

Term and Termination

This Agreement commences on and shall terminate on unless sooner terminated as provided below.

Either party may terminate this Agreement for convenience upon providing written notice at least days prior to the effective termination date. Either party may terminate immediately for material breach if the breaching party fails to cure within thirty (30) days after written notice.

Upon termination, Farmer shall leave the Property in reasonably comparable condition subject to normal harvest and seasonal conditions. Owner shall pay Farmer for all work performed up to the effective date of termination.

Confidentiality

Each party agrees to hold in confidence and not disclose to any third party any non-public business, financial, technical, or operational information received from the other party relating to farm operations, crop yields, pricing arrangements, or inputs (Confidential Information) except as required by law. This obligation survives termination for a period of three (3) years.

Insurance and Indemnity

Farmer shall maintain commercial general liability insurance and, where applicable, crop/hail or farm liability insurance with minimum limits of and shall provide evidence of such insurance upon request. Farmer shall indemnify and hold Owner harmless from and against liabilities, damages, and claims arising from Farmer's negligent acts or omissions in performing this Agreement, except to the extent such liabilities arise from Owner's negligence or willful misconduct.

Access, Equipment, and Inputs

Owner grants Farmer reasonable access to the Property during normal daylight hours for the purposes of performance. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Farmer shall supply and maintain all equipment and routine supplies necessary to perform the Scope of Work. Owner shall be responsible for capital improvements and major infrastructure repairs unless otherwise agreed.

Harvest, Crop Disposal, and Title

Title to harvested crops and disposition rights shall be as follows: Parties shall cooperate in marketing, storage, and sale as detailed in the Scope of Work.

Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

Any dispute arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall first be submitted to good faith negotiation between the parties. If unresolved within forty-five (45) days, the dispute shall be resolved by arbitration conducted in accordance with the rules chosen by the parties. The prevailing party in any dispute shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and costs.

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.

Entire Agreement; Amendments

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings, and agreements. No amendment shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by both parties.

Miscellaneous Provisions

Neither party may assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other, except that Owner may assign to a successor in interest to the Property. If any provision is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Additional Provisions or Notes

Owner / Landowner:

By:

Date:

Farmer / Operator:

By:

Date:

What a Farming Farmer Agreement Is and when it applies

A Farming Farmer Agreement is a written contract between a landowner (or lessor) and a farmer (or operator) that defines the rights, duties, and compensation terms for using agricultural land and resources. Typical provisions cover the legal description of the property, term and renewal, rent or crop-share formulas, permitted crops and operations, maintenance and repair obligations, access and utility arrangements, insurance and indemnity, allocation of yields and inputs, environmental compliance, improvements and removal rights, dispute resolution, and signature blocks. The agreement may be tailored for cash leases, sharecropping, custom farming, grazing, or specialty-crop arrangements and can be executed electronically when parties consent.

Why a formal Farming Farmer Agreement matters

A written agreement reduces ambiguity about who does what, how revenue and costs are shared, and how risks such as crop failure, liability, or property damage are allocated. Clear terms protect landowner and farmer interests, reduce dispute risk, and document rights for lenders, insurers, and regulators. Electronic execution is legally recognized under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted.

Who typically completes a Farming Farmer Agreement

Parties on both sides of agricultural operations prepare or sign these agreements to set expectations and protect legal rights.

Landowners and lessors seeking defined rent, liability limits, and property protections.
Independent farmers and operators documenting compensation, crop allocation, and operational authority.
Lenders, insurers, or agribusinesses needing documented rights, collateral clarity, or indemnity terms.

The agreement benefits anyone providing or using agricultural land, inputs, or labor by creating a clear, enforceable record of terms and responsibilities.

Core clauses to include in a professional Farming Farmer Agreement

Include these six core areas to make the agreement operationally useful and legally robust for both parties.

Property

Precise legal description, field boundaries, map references, and permitted access routes to avoid ambiguity about the land covered.

Term

Start and end dates, renewal options, and any harvest-year timing rules that affect possession and obligations during transitional periods.

Compensation

Detailed rent, crop-share formula, payment schedule, delivery points, price adjustments, and how post-harvest proceeds are handled.

Responsibilities

Daily operations, inputs and maintenance, irrigation, pest control, fertilizer, and who pays for or provides equipment and labor.

Liability

Insurance minimums, indemnity language, limits of liability, and how third-party claims and property damage are handled.

Termination

Notice periods, cure opportunities, effects on harvest obligations, removal of improvements, and dispute resolution steps.

Required data fields and concise entry rules

Party Names: Full legal names

Property Description: Parcel ID or metes-and-bounds

Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY

Term Length: Months or years

Compensation: Dollar or percentage

Signatures: Signed and dated

Step-by-step: filling out a Farming Farmer Agreement

Follow these core steps in order to produce a complete, enforceable agreement suitable for signing and recordkeeping.

01

Prepare draft: Assemble property, parties, and basic economics.
02

Define terms: Specify duration, duties, and payment mechanics.
03

Add protections: Include insurance, indemnity, and default remedies.
04

Sign and date: All parties sign and date per signature instructions.

How to customize and complete the agreement online

Configuring an online workflow lets parties review, sign, and retain records with an auditable trail.

Prepare document template	Upload PDF/DOCX and set reusable fields.
Add conditional fields	Show additional clauses when certain options are selected.
Set signer order	Define who signs first and in what sequence.
Enable authentication	Use email, SMS code, or stronger ID checks.
Attach exhibits	Link maps, schedules, or insurance certificates.

Where to send or file the completed agreement

After execution, route copies to all stakeholders and any official recorder or administrative office that requires notice.

Parties: Provide signed copies to landowner and farmer.
Lender: Share if the land is encumbered or collateralized.
Insurance: Send certificate to required insurers.
County Recorder: Record only if agreement creates an interest requiring public record.

Digital distribution and eSignature considerations

Use an eSignature platform that provides an audit trail, secure storage, and the integrations you need for downstream systems.

Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace
File formats: PDF, DOCX, fillable forms
Security: TLS and AES-256

Typical timelines, deadlines, and processing expectations

Key dates and timing expectations commonly included in or associated with Farming Farmer Agreements.

Effective Date:

Agreement start date (MM/DD/YYYY) when obligations begin.

Proof of Insurance:

Usually due within 30 days of effective date to comply with liability clauses.

Payment Schedule:

Specify payment due dates or harvest settlement windows.

Notice to Terminate:

Typical notice periods range 30–90 days depending on term.

Record Retention:

Keep signed agreement per retention policy and legal requirements.

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing the agreement

Using vague compensation language that leaves crop-share calculations unclear and triggers disputes.
Failing to include a clear legal property description or map, causing boundary disagreements at harvest time.
Omitting insurance minimums or who pays, which can void coverage or shift unexpected liability.
Not defining termination effects on planted crops, leading to misallocated harvest rights or financial losses.

Penalties and legal risks for incomplete or incorrect agreements

Breach Damages: Monetary liability

Loss of Rights: Forfeiture of harvest

Insurance Void: Coverage denial risk

Tax Exposure: Incorrect reporting consequences

Title Problems: Recording claims risk

Litigation Costs: Attorney fees and delays

How a Farming Farmer Agreement differs from a standard lease

Compare common criteria to understand distinctions between a crop-share or farmer agreement and a typical agricultural lease.

Criteria	Farming Farmer Agreement	Standard Agricultural Lease
Purpose	crop share or custom farming	fixed rent
Term	harvest-cycle focus	fixed term
Operational Control	shared operational duties	lessor control limited
Payment Structure	percentage or split	monetary rent

eSignature vendor comparison for signing and managing the agreement

Basic feature and pricing comparison focused on costs, bulk sending, audit trail, and HIPAA compliance. signNow is listed first by design per comparison rules.

	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 trial	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Bulk Send	Yes	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Common questions and answers about executing and managing the agreement

Answers to typical questions about legality, notarization, signing authority, and what to do when common problems arise.

Need help? Contact support

Can the agreement be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally binding under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided the parties demonstrate intent, consent, attribution, and record retention. Exceptions such as certain real-estate conveyances or court filings may apply.
Is notarization required to make it enforceable?
Generally, a farming agreement does not require notarization to be enforceable between parties, but notarization or recording may be necessary when the agreement creates a real property interest or when local practice or third parties (lenders, title companies) require it.
What if the names or signatures don't match?
Mismatched names can create attribution disputes and tax reporting issues; correct party names before signing, and attach an amendment or affidavit if errors are discovered after execution.
How do I record the agreement?
Record only when the agreement creates an interest that should be public. Check county recorder requirements for form, fees, and whether notarization or witnesses are required for recording.
How can the agreement be revoked or amended?
Follow the amendment and termination clauses in the agreement. Mutual rescission requires clear written consent by both parties; unilateral revocation may breach contract and create liability.
Who has authority to sign for an entity?
An authorized representative with corporate or trust signing authority should sign. For entities, include printed name and title; obtain proof of authority (board resolution or power of attorney) as needed.

be ready to get more

Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users

Sign Now