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.
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.
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