Illinois farm managers expect farmland values to soften slightly in 2026, with most anticipating a 1%–5% decline and some projecting up to 10%. According to the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, excellent farmland averaged $15,846 per acre in 2025, down 3% from the prior year, while good‑quality land held steady. Recreational land, however, saw an 11% increase.
Shifts in cash rent expectations, tighter farmer liquidity, and broader economic pressures—including fertilizer costs and global conflict—are shaping the outlook. As Illinois remains a core state within Land Sales Bulletin’s 10‑state Midwest reporting region, readers can track verified sales and market trends across the region with consistent, county‑level detail.
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.
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.
Nick Westgerdes, AFM, owner of New Roots Farm Brokerage, shares specialized farmland value insights and management reports for our Midwest reporting states of Illinois and Wisconsin. As the current President-Elect of the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ISPFMRA), his recent 2026 reports highlight a “resilient” but evolving market using our Illinois and Wisconsin land sales data. New Roots Farm Brokerage – Client Driven & Farm Focused.
Farmland values across the Midwest are holding historically strong, even as the market shifts into a more balanced, disciplined phase. According to Farm Progress, our Midwest reporting states from Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, the Dakotas are seeing values stabilize near record highs, with buyers becoming more selective and quality-driven. “Midwest farmland values remain historically strong heading into 2026” has been an encouraging and consistent headline. Our data reinforces this message: the market isn’t falling—it’s normalizing, with long‑term confidence and limited supply keeping values elevated. Read more from Farm Progress – Farmland values hold steady, reflect shift toward balanced market
Our Midwest reporting state of Illinois is gearing up for a busy February, with more than 2,400 acres of farmland scheduled for auction across 11 counties. The listings range from small 28‑acre tracts to a major 600‑acre Centennial Farm offering in Christian County, reflecting a diverse mix of high‑productivity cropland, recreational parcels, and homestead‑plus‑farmland combinations. Our trusted land sales data can help demonstrate patterns emerging in Illinois’ land sales and throughout the Midwest. Find key auction highlights and more from Successful Farming: More Than 2,400 Acres of Illinois Farmland Head to Auction in February 2026
Recent land sales in eastern Effingham County, Illinois, have quietly topped $20,000 per acre, despite soil productivity indexes (PI 100–110) that wouldn’t normally command such premiums. The story isn’t about the dirt — it’s about the people, livestock economics, and micro‑market dynamics shaping this unique region. Learn more about the three forces driving these eye‑popping prices – Why Effingham County farmland has topped $20,000 per acre
Our Midwest reporting state of Illinois is kicking off 2026 with a busy land market: 2,700+ acres across 15 counties are headed to auction this month. Pike, Adams, and Whiteside counties highlight a mix of high‑quality cropland, recreational tracts, and investor‑friendly parcels. USDA reports Illinois farmland values up 2.6% year‑over‑year, showing continued strength in the market. Find details on the farmland expected to change hands across 15 counties in our Midwest state of Illinois –https://www.agriculture.com/more-than-2-700-acres-of-illinois-farmland-head-to-auction-in-january-11878877
Illinois farmland prices for Midwest reporting state, fell by 4.5% in November 2025, driven by fewer sales and cautious farmer sentiment. However, the market isn’t entirely cooling. Institutional buyers—such as investment funds and pension groups—are emerging as new players, showing confidence in farmland’s long-term value. Read more from Farm Progress – https://bit.ly/4aZtNUu
Our Midwest reporting state of Illinois “farmland values softened during the first half of 2025.” The Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ISPFMRA) survey also shares “farmland values to remain steady or decline modestly through the end of the year.” Learn more: FarmWeek Now: survey IL farmland values softening
