The Chicago Federal Reserve Bank reported on the current economic conditions and trends in the northern two-thirds of Illinois and Indiana, southern Wisconsin, and all of Iowa and Michigan. This report includes comments on credit conditions, cash rents, and land values.Land ValuesIn the first...
Farm drones can be valuable in helping farmers keep an eye on their crops through the growing season. The farmer can carry out tasks efficiently and effectively with proper preparation. Here are some of the basic checks needed to make to ensure a safe and effective flight.Before Going to...
As another large dust storm impacted Illinois in May, the conversation and questions continue about why and how to get the dust to settle and stay in the field rather than across roadways. Although it is not a new environmental event, the dangers are always present, and questions arise....
Looking out across Central Illinois, you will see open fields stretching for miles with few breaks in between fields. It may even be difficult to tell where one field ends and another begins. This is not what farmland in Illinois always looked like, though. Our agricultural landscape...
This post is the second in a two-part blog series on considerations for hay producers as they prepare for the first cutting of the season. While much of Illinois agriculture focuses on row crops such as corn and soybeans, hay producers play a vital role in supporting livestock production throughout...
The elm zigzag sawfly (Aproceros leucopoda) is an invasive pest of elm trees (Ulmus spp.) that was first detected in Illinois in July 2024 in Busse Woods, Cook County. Native to parts of China and Japan, this species became established in Europe in 2003 and was first detected in the United...
The USDA recently rescinded a rule that required all private applicators (those who apply pesticides to their own land) to keep records of their restricted-use applications. The rescinded requirement appeared in the ...
Farmland values began to soften in late 2024. With decreasing farm profits in 2023 and 2024, farmland values held firm until the last quarter of 2024. This was the consensus of professional farm managers at the 2025 Illinois Farmland Values and Lease Trends Conference held in March, which The...
This time of year is busy for farmers across Illinois, with crop producers fighting against time and weather to get their crops in the ground for a successful growing season. Some farmers are also preparing to start cutting alfalfa and other forages. As Central Illinois producers begin their first...
Understanding Illinois property tax calculations is complex and confusing. Properties such as personal residences are taxed based on fair market value. The State of Illinois assesses farmland based on the agricultural use value rather than the farm market value. Based on farm income...
