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
For producers, success this season will require more than just a clean field; it will require meticulous record-keeping, a proactive written mitigation plan, and a constant eye on both the forecast and the federal docket.
Tidal Grow’s AlignN delivers encapsulated nitrogen to leaves, boosting in-season response, yield gains, and farm profits.
UNL student fellow Alison Walbrecht shares her perspective on building support for agricultural research, extension, and teaching while gaining hands-on insight into federal policymaking.
HTS Commodities’ Lewis Williamson provides updates on how growers are preparing for spring planting in an unpredictable agricultural landscape.
Leadership continuity signals a steady focus on family farm advocacy.
USDA’s March WASDE report leaves U.S. corn, soybean and wheat ending stocks unchanged while adjusting global production estimates for South America.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

New research shows that most farmers do not have a formal resiliency plan in place. Devin Fuhrman highlights how Nationwide’s Farm Risk Ready initiative supports farmers in building stronger, more resilient operations.
The American Coalition for Ethanol reacts as the Farm Bill heads to a full House vote — while ethanol expansion, including year-round E15, is left out — as well as the USDA’s pursuit of global markets for ethanol.
Hurd joined this week’s Champions of Rural America to review the proposed Farm Bill moving through the House and discuss its potential impact on rural communities and farmers across the country.
Global food prices rose slightly in the latest FAO Food Price Index as vegetable oils, cereals, and meat increased, offsetting declines in dairy and sugar.
Mexican livestock officials are emphasizing surveillance and inspection systems to preserve access to the U.S. cattle export market. Texas’ Bovina Feeders explains the rising stakes as the border stays closed.
University of Arkansas’ Allen Szalanski discusses a news study on rice stink bugs, what it could mean for farmers, and pest management strategies for the future.
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.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.