SHARE:  

Issue 4

August 2024

Continued Strength in Farmland Market

Annual Benchmark Study Published

Farmland values in FCI's 60-county territory increased for the sixth consecutive year. Values throughout central and southern Illinois increased 7.5% on average from last year, according to the 2024 study of 22 benchmark farms by the FCI appraisal team. Read more on this study that compares July 1 values from year-to-year, dating back to 1974.

Read the Farmland Values Benchmark Study

Learn with FCI

Sign Up for Ag Minded Hour

Dig into FCI’s annual land values study with chief appraiser Kent Reid. This free webinar will discuss the latest current values and where trendlines may be headed.

Register Here

Latest Release - Farmland Trends Tracker

The latest release includes results from February 1-July 1, 2024 capturing 118 different farmland auctions for a grand total of $94.4 million with an average price of $12,280 per acre. Below is a summary of the auctions selling 7,689 acres in 31 of the 60 counties in Farm Credit Illinois' territory.

Keep up with local markets throughout the year with the Farmland Trends Tracker from FCI’s state certified appraisal team. It will be published annually in the February and August editions of ESSENTIALS. As active observers of the market, FCI’s appraisal team delivers expertise to farmers and landowners with their comprehensive knowledge of local trends.

INTEREST-ing Times

The Fed's War Against Inflation

Learn about the Federal Reserve’s most recent vote on the Fed Funds rate and what to expect of interest rates in the coming months.

Read More

Beginning Farmers Honored with FreshRoots Directors Cup

$5,000 Award Recognizes Commitment to Bright Futures

Two young farmer couples and one farmer were named the 2024 FreshRoots Directors Cup honorees, celebrating their commitment to continuous learning and intentional living for a brighter future for their farm family business and community.

Herriott Video

Gorden Video


Lange Video

Read More About the Honorees

New FCI Junior Livestock Showrings

Illinois State Fair Showrings Dedicated on Ag Day

Two new Farm Credit Illinois Junior Livestock Showrings were dedicated on Aug. 9, Illinois State Fair Agriculture Day. This comes via a 10-year sponsorship with the Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation. Pictured is FCI President and CEO Aaron Johnson with Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello and Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark.

Local Agricultural Input Markets Survey

Participate in a Farmdoc Research Project for Farmers

Farmdoc needs your help assessing the state of local markets for fertilizers and other inputs. This survey, with support from the Illinois Corn Growers’ Association, aims to collect responses from farmers on their opinions and experiences with input markets to improve competitiveness and inform related policy design. The survey deadline is August 31.

Take the Survey

Financial Snapshot

2nd Quarter Business Results

Crop Insurance Deadlines Approaching

Contact Your Agent with Questions

AUGUST 15

Corn & Soybean Premium Billing Date – Interest begins accruing on unpaid premiums after September 30


AUGUST 15-SEPTEMBER 14

Margin Protection & Wheat Discovery Period – 2025 MP and wheat projected prices set

 

SEPTEMBER 30

Margin Protection & Wheat Sales Closing Date – Last date to purchase, change, or cancel coverage

 

OCTOBER 1-31

Corn & Soybean Harvest Price Discovery Period – 2024 corn and soybean harvest prices set

 

OCTOBER 20, 31, or November 5

Wheat Final Plant Date (County Specific. see map below)

 

*Contact FCI agent for county-specific dates

TIP: Your Privacy is Our Priority

Protect Yourself from Scams

As the number of scam phone call attempts continues to rise, it’s important to learn best practices to protect your personal and financial information. 

Read More

lllinois Leopold Conservation Award

Illinois Farmer Honored for Conservation Efforts

Farm Credit Illinois is proud to sponsor the Illinois Leopold Conservation Award that recognizes farmers and forestland owners who excel in management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitats. Congratulations to award recipient Richard Lyons of Harvel (Montgomery County) and finalists Lieb Farms of Monticello (Piatt County) and Martin Family Farms of Mt. Pulaski (Logan County).

Learn More

Talk To Us


Share Candid Comments, Constructive Suggestions, or Requests For Information