Farming is an essential industry in Illinois, and the state's favorable climate and fertile soil make it a prime location for crop production. However, the cost of farming can vary depending on the location and the type of land used for agriculture.
The Illinois state median cash rent for 2022 is $172 per acre, which includes both irrigated and non-irrigated land. This represents an average cost for farmers to rent land from landowners to grow their crops.
For farmers looking to rent irrigated land, the counties of Lee and Carroll in Illinois have some of the highest prices in the state. The average cash rent for irrigated land in these counties is around $350 per acre. This can be attributed to the availability of irrigation systems that help increase crop yields, making the land more valuable.
On the other hand, for non-irrigated land, the counties of Moultrie and Piatt have recorded some of the highest prices in the state. The average cash rent for non-irrigated land in these counties is around $331 per acre. This can be attributed to the quality of the soil in these areas, which is highly productive and suitable for growing a variety of crops.
The cost of farming in Illinois can also vary based on other factors, such as the type of crops grown and the farming methods used. Organic farming, for example, can be more expensive than conventional farming, as it requires more labor-intensive methods and typically yields lower crop yields.
Despite the variable cost of farming in Illinois, the state remains a leading agricultural producer, with a variety of crops grown and sold both locally and nationally. Illinois farmers are known for their use of sustainable practices, including crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage, which help maintain soil health and reduce the environmental impact of farming.