Farmland values reach new peak according to Farm Credit study

[August 19, 2022]    Farmland values throughout central and southern Illinois increased 27.88% on average from last year, according to the 2022 study of 20 benchmark farms by the Farm Credit Illinois (FCI) appraisal team. The study has occurred annually since 1974.

2022 values have reached all-time highs in FCI’s 60-county territory – by a considerable amount. The previous peak followed a dramatic run-up from 2003-2014. Results slightly declined from 2015-2018 before rising moderately beginning in 2019. This is the fourth consecutive year of an increase in the FCI territory, with several areas reflecting historic increases due to an active market.

Nineteen of the 20 benchmark farms increased in value while one remained unchanged. Results across all land classes showed considerable variation, reinforcing that agricultural real estate is a location-specific asset. When considering the individual benchmarks values, the year-over-year changes ranged from no change to a 55.74% increase.

“2022 saw an active farmland market influenced by the limited supply of and strong demand for Illinois farmland, profitable commodity prices, and increased working capital on many farms,” says Kent Reid, FCI chief appraiser. “The substantial overall increase set a new peak in the market.”

The economic health of farmers and farm owners is mostly stable, but there are still pressures on farmers’ financial positions. Higher input prices including anhydrous, rising cash rents, and increasing machinery costs will be a challenge for the upcoming year. Rising interest rates have not yet affected farmland values. If rates follow projected increases, however, they could bring down 2023 values.

About Farm Credit Illinois

Farm Credit Illinois (FCI) is an agricultural financial cooperative owned by 16,000 farmer, rural landowner, and agribusiness voting stockholder members in the southern 60 counties of Illinois. Dedicated to Helping Farm Families Succeed, FCI provides competitive and flexible financing, crop insurance expertise, and Rural 1st® country life lending. FCI manages a $5.1 billion loan portfolio, sells 1.5 million acres of crop insurance coverage, and employs 260 staff in the Mahomet headquarters and 14 regional offices. The Association returned $40 million of 2021 earnings as cash patronage to member-borrowers in 2022. The U.S. Farm Credit System is a network of locally owned cooperatives supporting rural communities, farm families, and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services today and tomorrow.

[Liz Harder
Communication & Content Manager]