Illinois farmers can expect lower cash rents by around $25 next year

Many farmers are preparing for next year, and that includes figuring out rent prices.

A new survey shows cash rents in Illinois are set to fall next year.

“We did a survey of the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. We did that in August, and they were saying that their 2025 leases would be down $25 per acre from this year. So, just to give you a feel, we are projecting for Illinois FBFM farms something below $30,000 of net income for 2024. Cash rents went up from 2020 to 2025 by an average of about $40 in the state. So we’re beginning to see a retrenchment. A $25 reduction will help. It won’t get us back to the profitability levels, but it’s a start in that direction,” said Gary Schnitkey.

Analysts recommend farmers work to lower cash rent obligations for next year, while also paying close attention to inputs needs and costs.

Related Stories
Autumn Lankford Higgins with the Farm Bureau joins us to discuss data center expansion on farmland, rural policy considerations, and the role of agriculture in emerging digital infrastructure.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney joins us to discuss geopolitical trade tensions, energy market volatility, and what global shifts could mean for U.S. agriculture exports.
New data from the Illinois Farm Bureau show that farm financial conditions are stabilizing, even as debt per acre and borrowing costs continue to climb.
National Pork Producers Council President Rob Brenneman joins us to discuss Prop 12 provisions in the House’s Farm Bill as it heads to the Senate for debate.
Ohio farmer Chris Gibbs joins us to discuss planting progress, weather conditions, and how geopolitical tensions are clouding his growing season outlook as input concerns continue to escalate.
This case could influence how much leverage grain shippers have when a preferred rail outlet is blocked or priced too high.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins joined us to discuss fertilizer markets, domestic supply efforts, trade priorities, and ongoing policy work aimed at stabilizing costs for U.S. farmers.
Louisiana State University Professor Shelly Pate Kerns says a late freeze forced widespread replanting of some crops across the state.
Strong demand for U.S. beef in Mexico is boosting exports, with buyers seeking both variety meats and high-quality cuts like Prime and Choice ribeye.
Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss rising input costs, proposed fertilizer legislation, and potential support for farmers navigating tight margins.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us to discuss the latest crop progress report and how market uncertainty and input costs are shaping planting decisions this spring.