Resources
Welcome to the Hiatt Land Management Resource Center. Whether you're a landowner, investor, or farm operator, staying informed is essential to making confident decisions. Below, you'll find curated tools, reports, and insights to help you stay ahead of land values, lease trends, and ag economics in Central Illinois and beyond.
2026 Illinois Land Values & Lease Trends Report
Published by: Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ISPFMRA)
Released: April 2, 2026
We recommend reviewing the 2026 Land Values & Lease Trends Report, widely regarded as the most trusted source for current farmland values and rental rate data across Illinois. This annual report provides comprehensive insights into a market currently transitioning toward stabilization.
Key Market Figures
| Metric | Data | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Class A Farmland | −3% | Slight decline in 2025 |
| Variable Cash Rent Leases | 34% | Of all managed agreements |
| Corn Price Outlook | $4.00 – $4.50/bu | 2026 season estimate |
| E. Central IL — Excellent Land | $10,350 – $11,400/ac | Recent trade range |
Key Updates
- Farmland Market “Plateau”: After record-breaking highs, the market has reached a plateau. While Class A farmland saw a slight decline of approximately 3% in 2025, values for Class C, D, and recreational land remained resilient or slightly increased.
- Shifting Lease Trends: While cash rents remain historically strong, many new agreements for 2026 are incorporating flexible provisions to manage market uncertainty. Variable cash rent leases now account for about 34% of managed agreements.
- Economic Outlook: High input costs and modest commodity prices — with corn expected to range between $4.00 and $4.50 per bushel — are creating tight profit margins for the 2026 season.
- Regional Breakdowns: Detailed data for all 10 regions, including East-Central Illinois, where Excellent quality land recently traded between $10,350 and $11,400 per acre.
⇩ Download the 2026 Report Contact Us for a Personalized Analysis
2025 Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers Mid-Year Survey
Farmland Prices
- Values declined 2–3.5% during the first half of 2025.
- 61% of buyers were farmers; 67% of sellers were estates.
- Outlook for late 2025: 49% expect small declines, 33% stable, 18% larger declines.
- By 2027, expectations are mixed: 23% higher, 44% steady, 33% lower.
Cash Rents in 2026
Most farm managers expect 2026 rents to be lower than 2025 rents by between $15 and $20 per acre.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Expected rent change | −$15–$20 per acre in 2026 |
| 2025 corn price expectation | $3.95/bu |
| 2025 soybean price expectation | $9.95/bu |
| Expecting additional disaster payments | 76% |
Leasing Trends
Lease distribution in 2025:
| Lease Type | Share |
|---|---|
| Share rent | 21% |
| Modified share rent | 14% |
| Fixed cash rent | 25% |
| Variable cash rent (growing steadily) | 34% |
| Custom farming | 6% |
- Variable leases often use a base rent plus a revenue-based bonus.
- 97% of managers are satisfied with variable cash leases, noting easier negotiations.
- The average supplemental rent on a share rent lease is $31 per acre.
Wind and Solar
| Energy Type | Activity |
|---|---|
| Wind energy | 53% reported new contracts in early 2025 |
| Solar energy | 26% reported new contracts |
| Sales with renewable agreements | 57% of farmland sales, often boosting land appeal |
