For Landowners & Retiring Farmers
We know farmland often represents generations of family history — deciding who farms it next isn’t a small decision, and we don’t take that lightly.
Why Landowners Choose Maranatha Acres?
We manage every acre with the same care and long-term thinking as we do our own. Combining generations of experience with careful, field-level decision-making based on real on-farm data helps us get the most out of every acre.
Stewardship.
We manage every acre with the same care we give our own ground. That means making thoughtful decisions about fertility, crop production, and field management while incorporating practices such as cover crops through the H2Ohio program where they make sense for our operation.
Investments.
From on-farm test plots evaluating new products and practices to improving efficiency with equipment and grain storage, we invest in doing things right — not just this season, but looking to the future of the farm.
Family.
We’re not a land-management company. We’re the Riegseckers — Sharon, Randy, Brian, and Sam — three generations of the same family working together. When you work with Maranatha Acres, you’re working directly with the people who own and operate the farm.
Communication.
We communicate differently with each of our landowners. Some want to be very involved and know what is happening throughout the growing season, while others prefer a more hands-off approach. Whatever your preference, we’ll work to communicate in a way that makes you comfortable and keeps you informed.
Leasing Options
Cash Lease + Bonus
Our most common arrangement. You receive a predictable, fixed annual payment regardless of yield or market swings — straightforward and low-hassle. In some more profitable years, we will include a bonus in the rent and share some of the positives of the growing season, whether that be due to markets rising or access to yield above what we thought the crop would be. Surprises like that are always a plus for both us and the landowner.
Crop-Share Lease
For landowners, often retired farmers, who want to stay involved and keep some “skin in the game,” we also offer crop-share agreements. You share in both the input costs and the harvested bushels, which helps you stay connected to the ground and the outcome each season.
Every landowner relationship is a little different. We’re happy to talk through which arrangement makes the most sense for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you looking for farmland to rent?
Yes. We’re open to conversations with landowners who are considering a new operator, whether you’re approaching retirement, have inherited farmland, or simply want to explore your options.
What types of leases do you offer?
We primarily offer cash leases, along with crop-share agreements for landowners who want to stay more involved in the operation.
What areas do you farm?
We currently farm primarily in Fulton County, Ohio, and are actively looking for opportunities to grow into Lucas County, Ohio, and Lenawee County, Michigan.
What crops do you grow?
Corn, soybeans, and wheat mainly, but we do raise some rye to use as our cover crop in the fall.
How do you communicate with landowners during the season?
This all depends on the landowner. Some of our landowners like to know what is going on throughout the growing season, so we share each step of our process. Other landowners prefer more of a hands-off approach. Our communication can be whatever style you would prefer — or even in the middle somewhere but it’s important to let us know what you would prefer.
What happens to soil health and conservation practices on leased ground?
We manage leased ground with the same conservation practices we use on our owned ground. Our goal is to leave your ground in the same or better shape than when we got it.
How do you decide which lease type fits a given situation?
This honestly comes up quite a bit. We tend to talk through both options thoroughly and help each land owner make the best decision for themselves. If someone doesn’t want to deal with fluctuations of the grain markets, maybe cash leases are the way to go. If someone is willing to invest in their farmland and be willing to market their grain, then share crop leases may be a better option.
Are you open to leasing new ground outside Fulton County?
Yes — we’re actively looking to grow into Lucas County, Ohio, and Lenawee County, Michigan, in addition to the ground we already farm in Fulton County.
Let's Start a Conversation
Whether you’re exploring retirement, considering a new operator, or simply have questions about your options, we’d welcome the opportunity to talk. There’s no obligation — just a conversation about what might make sense for you and your ground.
Find Us On Social Media!
We share different parts of the farm across our social channels. Follow whichever platforms you enjoy most and keep up with Maranatha Acres throughout the year.