Legal Definitions - way-going crop

A way-going crop is a type of grain crop that was traditionally sown by a tenant during their tenancy, especially in Pennsylvania. This crop would not ripen until after the lease had expired. If there was no agreement stating otherwise, the tenant was entitled to the crop.

For example, if a tenant rented a farm and planted wheat in the fall, but the wheat did not ripen until after their lease had ended in the spring, this would be considered a way-going crop. The tenant would be entitled to harvest and keep the wheat, even though their lease had ended.

Another example would be if a tenant planted corn in the spring and their lease ended in the fall, but the corn did not ripen until after the lease had ended. The tenant would still be entitled to the corn.

These examples illustrate how a way-going crop works and how it can benefit the tenant who planted it. It also shows how important it is to have clear agreements in place regarding crops and leases.