Harvest ’25: Illinois Harvest Hits 11% Completion in Drought Conditions; Producers Eye Fall Farmland Sales

Midwest corn and soy producers are monitoring for disease and lower yields due to the ongoing drought over the last 30 days.

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (RFD-TV) — Combines are rolling nationwide, with corn harvest now 11 percent complete in central Illinois, where farmers are making steady progress while also monitoring farmland markets this fall.

David Klein with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) joined us to provide an update on harvest conditions and land sales in the region.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, Klein shared what he’s seeing in Illinois fields so far this season and noted that farmland sales are beginning to line up for the fall. He also discussed key factors that could influence the price direction during harvest, including yields, input costs, and broader market trends.

Klein reported on recent supply activity in Illinois and explained how potential shifts in farmland prices might affect marketing strategies for producers and landowners.

Related Stories
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney joins us to discuss Canada’s livestock import restrictions, producer reaction to the New World screwworm detection in Texas, and the potential implications for cross-border livestock trade.
HTS Commodities’ Lewis Williamson joins us to recap USDA’s latest Crop Progress Report, troubling winter wheat conditions, and key market factors shaping the markets as the growing season progresses.
Livestock producers should inspect animals daily, report any suspicious wounds immediately, and comply with local movement restrictions.
Farm Bureau economist John Newton says farm income has declined every quarter for three years.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The Livestock Conservancy says protecting rare breeds helps preserve genetic diversity and long-term agricultural resilience.
Dr. Joana Colussi says differences in input costs, trade conditions, and second-crop risks continue shaping profitability in both countries.
The Perrier family says maintaining herd quality has helped keep the operation strong.
RFD-TV’s Memorial Day Music Marathon is designed to celebrate America’s musical traditions while honoring the spirit of the holiday with performances rooted in country, gospel, and bluegrass.
Current estimates are already hovering around 80 weeks.
Cattle markets continue supporting rural land values, but lenders say repayment rates and carryover debt are becoming a larger focus.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.