From the tenant's point of view, share farming is more popular than leasing because it needs fewer financial commitments and is less risky if share farmers have a bad season. However, leasing can be more profitable than share farming if the tenant is a skilful manager and leases are carefully arranged.

Leasing also gives the tenant greater independence and is often regarded as the stepping stone to buying their own farm. The tenant takes all the risks in a lease, but if they are a good manager, then the fruits of their labour go to them rather than to the landowner.

From the owner's point of view, the choice might be influenced by their plans for returning (or not returning) to active farming. Leasing provides a more certain financial return than share farming because the rent is fixed regardless of the tenant's skills, the seasonal conditions or the prices gained for produce.

For further detailed discussion on farming leasing and share farming, and the pro's and con's of each, view the RIRDC Report written by Rod Ashby in 2003 ‘Successful land leasing in Australia - A guide for farmers and their advisors' .