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
Despite China’s sharp drop in grain purchases this year, new USDA export data this week shows that even some buying activity from the trade giant still moves the markets.
Corn and wheat exports remain supportive, but weaker soybean demand — especially from China — continues to pressure oilseed markets.
China’s pullback is hitting core U.S. commodities hard, reshaping export expectations for soybeans, cotton, grains, and livestock.
Farm Legal Expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joins us to share more about the North Dakota court decision and the its larger impact on agriculture.
A new study found that retaining the EPA’s half-RIN credit protects soybean demand, farm income, and crushing-sector strength while preserving biofuel market flexibility.
The U.S. has a bountiful corn supply, but markets are waiting for the January WASDE Report, which will include updated yield estimates.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

China continues to buy U.S. soybeans toward its 12 MMT commitment, as analysts cite data gaps, delivery timing questions, and muted market reaction.
FarmHER Nikki Boxler, aka The Maple Farmer, blends tradition with innovation, tapping into a bold new future for maple syrup.
As the new year begins, both farmers and rural families are taking stock of their finances and planning ahead for 2026.
Trade uncertainty—especially regarding soybeans—continues to weigh on future outlooks, even as farm finances and land values remain resilient.
Sen. Deb Fischer reintroduces the HAULS Act to update hours-of-service exemptions and definitions affecting livestock and agricultural haulers. She joins us on Market Day Report to share more about her proposed legislation.
Strong crush demand and rising ethanol production are pressuring feedstocks, as traders monitor storage risks and supply chain uncertainty and await the upcoming January WASDE report.