According to Illinois Law, landlords and tenants who have a "year to year" cash or crop share farm lease on property need to make any changes in the agreement by October 31^st of each year. This applies to changing the amount on a cash lease, changing the type of lease agreement, terminating a lease due to sale of property, change in the farming enterprise, etc.

In most regions of Illinois, a year to year lease of farmland is presumed to begin on March 1^st and end on the last day of February. Therefore, notification of changes in the terms of the lease needs to be given by October 31^st—4 months prior to the beginning of the farming year.

There are suggestions for wording the written notice to the tenant or landlord, and there is also a procedure for delivering the notification.

A program to share additional insight concerning this process as well as information on current leasing practices in Franklin County will be held at the University of Illinois Extension Building in Benton on Monday, September 29^th at 7:00 p.m. Ruth Hambleton, U of I Extension Farm Business Management Educator, will lead the discussion. Her presentation will be followed by a panel of area farmers and Ag. Industry representatives who will discuss local practices.

There is no fee for this important meeting, but please call the Franklin Office at 618-439-3178 by September 23^rd to confirm your attendance. Also use that same number if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate or would like additional information.

Going Green

Have your noticed the latest hot trend? "Going Green" is the buzz word in news stories, magazine articles and websites. Now, you can take this popular trend and put your family's own spin on it! Here are tips from Jen Dillman, Springfield newspaper editor, that can help you get started.

· Keep reusable bags in your car not only for groceries but for any time you go shopping.

· Cook from scratch to eliminate packaging waste.

· Buy in bulk to reduce packaging.

· Turn down temperature from your water heater a few degrees.

· Unplug appliances you are not using.

· Use non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning and laundry products. Vinegar and baking soda are great multipurpose items to have on hand, also.

· Combine errands to save on gas and driving around town.

· Walk or ride your bike.

· Collect rainwater to irrigate your lawn and garden.

· Recycle empty ink/toner cartridges and help local nonprofit organizations raise money. Ex: Habitat for Humanity.