The type of farmland lease can make a significant difference in profitability and risk. Purdue University agricultural economist Michael Langemeier says long-term data show fixed cash rent provides more stability, while crop-share and flexible cash leases move more closely with farm profitability. Crop share returns averaged about $70 per acre less than fixed cash rent from 2013 through 2019. During stronger markets from 2020 through 2022, crop-share returns were as much as $74 per acre higher. For 2026, projections show no bonus payment under the flexible cash-rent example, bringing expected returns closer to fixed cash-rent levels
