Land Sales Bulletin

Illinois Farmland Leasing Trends Show Stability Heading Into 2027

accountMktgLSB | calendar-monthApril 14, 2026

New survey data from the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ISPFMRA) points to a steady and resilient leasing environment across Illinois farmland—an important signal for landowners, operators, and investors watching the Midwest market. As one of Land Sales Bulletin’s 10 Midwest reporting states, Illinois continues to demonstrate strong rental demand even as broader price expectations soften.

Cash Rents Hold Firm in 2026 – Survey results show that professionally managed farmland maintained strong cash rent levels for 2026.

  • Excellent soils: Middle-third rents average $375/acre, with top-tier agreements reaching $400/acre.
  • Good soils: Average $325/acre.
  • Average soils: $273/acre.
  • Fair soils: $200/acre.

Despite slight declines in 2025 landlord incomes—particularly on cash‑rented acres—operators continue to compete aggressively for high‑quality ground, keeping rents elevated across productivity classes.

Leasing Performance in 2025 – Returns varied by lease structure:

  • Custom farming delivered the highest 2025 returns at $375/acre on excellent soils.
  • Cash rent averaged $300/acre.
  • Crop share averaged $250/acre, buoyed by strong yields and lower input costs.

These dynamics help explain why cash rents remain strong even as land values show signs of leveling.

Expectations for 2027 – Farm managers express cautious optimism:

  • 67% expect 2027 cash rents to remain unchanged from 2026.
  • 9% anticipate increases.
  • 24% foresee modest softening.

Overall, the data points to a stable leasing market with limited downside pressure.

Why This Matters for Midwest Land Professionals

Illinois—one of our core reporting states—continues to set the tone for leasing trends across the Corn Belt. Strong operator demand, tight supply of high‑quality acres, and steady income expectations reinforce the importance of finalized sales and rental data when evaluating market conditions.

Land Sales Bulletin will continue monitoring Illinois and our broader 10‑state Midwest region to provide transparent, county‑level insights for buyers, sellers, and ag professionals. Read the full report: Illinois Cash Rents and Leasing Expectations Through 2027 – farmdoc daily

Report Download: Illinois Cash Rents and Leasing Expectations Through 2027

2026 Illinois Farmland Price Expectations: Navigating a Stable Yet Softening Market

accountMktgLSB | calendar-monthApril 10, 2026

Illinois farmland values are entering a period of stabilization after several years of rapid appreciation. According to the latest ISPFMRA survey, most market participants expect modest softening in 2026, driven by tighter crop margins, elevated input costs, and a high‑interest‑rate environment. While 61% of respondents anticipate slight price declines, long‑term confidence remains strong, with 77% expecting higher values within five years. Transaction volumes are also cooling, and private treaty sales are regaining ground as buyers seek flexibility in a shifting market.

As one of Land Sales Bulletin’s reporting states, Illinois continues to demonstrate the importance of timely, accurate, and completed land sale data in understanding market sentiment and tracking regional trends across the Midwest.

Read more from farmdoc daily: farmdocdaily.illinois.edu

Report download: ISPFMRA Survey Report

The Dramatic Shift in the U.S. Ag Land Price‑Rent Ratio

accountMktgLSB | calendar-monthJanuary 15, 2026

The U.S. ag land price‑rent ratio has nearly doubled since 1998 — rising from 20 to 36 — and no single economic factor fully explains why. New farmdoc analysis shows that if the ratio had held steady, today’s cropland values would be roughly 40% lower. With land making up ~80% of U.S. farm assets, understanding the drivers behind this long‑term shift is essential for lenders, investors, and producers. Read more from Successful Farming – The Dramatic Change in U.S. Ag Land Price-Rent Ratio

Download farmdoc daily full report here: Farmdoc – Change in US Ag Land Price-Rent Radio

Ag Land Values Mostly Stable Through First Half of 2025

accountMktgLSB | calendar-monthJuly 25, 2025

This latest FarmDoc Daily Policy News Summary looks at ag land values through the first 6 months of 2025. Find the 6-Month Average Benchmark Land Values Change for our Midwest states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska. Key contributors and findings include land value reports from Farmers National Company and Farm Credit Services of America. Read their full report here – Ag Land Values Mostly Stable Through First Half of 2025 – Farm Policy News

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