Crops

Three animated poultry figures sit around a table with blank faces and coffee cups in front of them.

Farm Estate Planning Series

Quick Tips for Farm Estate PlanningStudies have shown that fewer than 20 percent of farm families have an effective estate plan to roadmap what happens to the family farm when dad and mom retire or pass away. Death is inevitable. What is very normal is that families avoid...
Finish this story
Aerial view of barely emerged plants in farm field. Several trees and a building sit on a strip of land at the edge.

Preparing to Field Scout with your Farm Drone

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...
Finish this story
Sunshine peeks through large clouds over thick dust, which shrouds a country road running between two farm fields.

Getting dust to settle, stay on Illinois farmland

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....
Finish this story
Beautiful native wildflowers bloom in the foreground, and a family farm with mature trees are visible in the background.

Understanding Illinois Farmland Property Taxes

Understanding Illinois property tax calculations is complex and confusing. Properties such as personal residences are taxed based on fair market valueThe State of Illinois assesses farmland based on the agricultural use value rather than the farm market value. Based on farm income...
Finish this story
Aerial view of various farm fields with road running diagonally inbetween.

Farmland Values Showing Mixed Signals

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...
Finish this story
Cumulus clouds loom over rows of harvested corn with trees in the background.

Illinois farm cash rents in 2025

Cash Farm Rents in Illinois held steady to slightly downward in 2025 compared to 2024. At the recent Illinois Land Values Conference, farm managers from across the state released the statistics analyzed by the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (...
Finish this story
Photo of financial forms with calculator on top.

Tips for Farm Financial Record Keeping

Keeping good financial records is vital for the farm's long-term success. Farm records can get neglected by most farmers who prefer to be out on the property instead of in the office. The following tips, if implemented, can make the farm operation more efficient and stronger and prepare the farm...
Finish this story