Illinois Turns Attention to the Farmland Market as Harvest Wraps Up

David Klein with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) shares an end-of-harvest update and a peek at the farmland market in Central Illinois.

BLOOMINGTON, ILL. (RFD-TV) — The agricultural market has now gone a whole month without harvest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and with combines nearing the finish line in many areas, farmers are shifting their focus to post-harvest conditions.

David Klein with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report with an end-of-harvest update.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, Klein said farmers in central Illinois are averaging corn and soybean prices close to those of last year. He also discussed trends in sales methods as producers and landowners assess current conditions.

Klein said that while there have been some business-planning delays in the state farmland market, approximately 22,000 acres were set for auction in November, but they are adding new listings every day. While trends seem to favor auctions, he is also seeing many traditional listings and sealed-bid auctions when sellers have a price point they want to hit. He said, overall, the market is down about 2.5%, but much lower in some areas of the state, suggesting there’s plenty of opportunity for investors interested in picking up high-quality land.

Related Stories
Gov. Gavin Newsom has until October 12 to sign a bill passed by the California state legislature allowing E15 sales.
The Final Grain Stocks Report may be the last key figures we see if a government shutdown halts future updates.
USDA and EPA officials aim to maintain America’s robust food supply while ensuring farmers have access to key resources and crop protection tools.
Livestock and government payments provide a boost, but crop receipts and rising expenses keep pressure on margins. Strong financial planning remains key in a volatile environment.
“Those could’ve easily been our beans going over there. It goes to show that if that opportunity is there, China would be willing to buy.”
RFD-TV Farm Legal and Taxation expert, Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, joined us Monday to break down the changes and explain what producers should know.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) says recent wins in markets like Malaysia and Cambodia help farmers focus on production rather than trade barriers.
Kubota President Alex Woods discusses the “Geared to Give” program, the company’s commitment to those who served, and how the initiative continues to grow and impact veterans.
Today, we honor the courage, dedication, and service of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces by taking a closer look at their commitment and teamwork in action.
Lucia Ruano, USMEF’s Central America representative, discusses what is driving demand for U.S. beef and pork in the region.
Tyson expects another year of beef-segment losses due to tight cattle supplies, even as chicken, pork, and prepared foods strengthen overall margins.
One Iowa man’s story is a powerful reminder of service, sacrifice, and home.