[all star rod]

I agree you need to get things in writing or have an agreement. However, I would not pay 3,500 or 4K for a lease and not have any water or not have the field plowed.....ie.....it takes money to make money. Within everything we do to make $ their is a COST associated with it. So the landowner should lease you a rice field with no water and completed covered with rice or set aside. If you want water on it or plowed once it should be in the price you pay! I have spoken to several landowners this past year and their average price for a lease was 3-4K and they all say they pump you water and plow the field. Some years we had to ask our landowner to pump again for us and he did and we paid him some extra money. All I am saying is for 3.5 - 4K he should pump water on your pond and at least majority of it showing open water. I know the landowner has cost associated: pumping water, fuel and so on.....but that is why you pay 4K for a lease. Trust me, for him to pump water once and plow up a 50 acre field it does not cost him more than $ 500-750 dollars. Also, if you would lease something for 4K and charge extra to pump water and plow the field well good for you. I am sure you will find a "SUCKER" some where to lease it.....