Peoples Company enrolls all managed acres in the Leading Harvest Farmland Management Standard, a comprehensive and adaptable framework applicable to all crop types and regions across the United States. As the only for-hire farm management company participating in Leading Harvest, Peoples Company stands alongside 22 other U.S. program users - organizations with substantial influence over farmland acres nationwide. Together, enrolled members manage 1.9 million acres and grow 120 crop types under the Standard.

The Leading Harvest Farmland Management Standard promotes robust environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles in farmland management. It serves as a practical framework for implementing regionally appropriate best practices and encourages a culture of continuous improvement across the agricultural sector.

A critical component of the standard is the annual audit conducted by an independent third party. This audit includes a thorough desktop review of internal processes and documentation, followed by in-person farm visits and interviews with tenants. It’s important to note that while tenants are interviewed, they are not themselves being audited - their insights help validate the application of Peoples Company management practices.

As part of the annual review, auditors have visited Peoples Company-managed farms in the Midwest, as well as in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Washington - demonstrating the Standard’s applicability across a wide range of geographies and farming systems.

This past week, we completed our 2025 audit review with SmartCert, covering more than 1,000 miles across Illinois and Iowa. We visited 14 farms, representing 3,300 acres, and conducted interviews with both tenants and Peoples Company Land Managers. The experience underscored the strength of our partnerships and the professionalism of those who help us manage farmland with care and integrity.

Practices Observed in the Field

• Corn and soybean rotations implemented alongside in-field conservation measures like waterways, terraces and filter strips.

• Perennial native forbs and grasses planted on less productive ground creating valuable habitat.

• Crop residue from the previous season left as natural mulch, helping to protect and enrich the soil.

• No-till and reduced-till practices to help maintain soil structure and prevent erosion.

Insights from Tenant Conversations

• A strong curiosity and willingness to innovate, with many experimenting with new products and techniques.

• Widespread adoption of technology and a commitment to data-driven decision-making.

• A shared goal of collaborative land stewardship, working closely with Land Managers and landowners to optimize outcomes for each unique property.

We expect to receive our final 2025 audit report later this summer. This report will highlight our strengths and identify areas for growth as we look ahead to 2026. That spirit of continuous improvement is a cornerstone of the Leading Harvest Sustainability Standard and one we fully embrace.

While Leading Harvest enrollment and annual auditing is a significant time commitment and financial investment, we welcome the rigorous evaluation to continue to build industry and consumer trust. Over the past five years, it has helped us grow and refine our processes - and we’re committed to driving quality and innovation in the farmland management industry.

Landowners interested in learning more about our management services are encouraged to visit PeoplesCompany.com or contact us at LandManagement@PeoplesCompany.com.