Revised MU Extension guide explains verbal farm leases.
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MEXICO, Mo. – As the end of the year approaches, many landowners and tenants are reviewing farm leases for the 2026 season. For those using a verbal agreement, University of Missouri Extension encourages a careful review of a newly revised guide, Verbal Farm Rental Agreements Under Missouri Law, which is available for free download.
Verbal or oral farm leases are legal leases in Missouri, says MU Extension field specialist Mary Sobba. Unlike surrounding states that set specific dates for verbal leases, Missouri allows verbal farm lease agreements to begin on any date. This flexibility can create confusion when one party wishes to terminate. For example, Iowa requires landowners to notify tenants by Sept. 1 to end a lease the following March 1.
In Missouri, the most common verbal lease is a “periodic tenancy, year-to-year.” Under this arrangement, the tenant continues farming for another year at the anniversary of the original agreement unless either party provides the other with written notice of termination at least 60 days before that anniversary date, Sobba says.
Verbal farm leases have been used for many decades in Missouri and remain common. Typically, these agreements are based on a conversation between the landowner and tenant agreeing on terms and are sealed with a handshake.
“Verbal leases can work well, but if misunderstandings or disagreements arise, they become challenging,” she says. “It can be difficult to determine which party is correct if each party recalls the lease terms differently. Our guide discusses common challenges related to lease duration, termination, invalid verbal agreements, subleases and death of the landlord or tenant.”
Because difficulties can arise when disputes occur in a verbal farm lease, MU Extension recommends putting all farm leases in writing. Written leases give both parties an opportunity to discuss, understand and document terms and responsibilities.