Obtaining control of land through leasing has a long history in the United States. Leases on agricultural land are strongly influenced by local custom and tradition. However, in most areas, landowners and operators can choose from several types of lease…

What a difference July rainfall makes. The U.S. Drought Map based on data through July 28 showed that only six percent of Illinois was rated as abnormally dry or with moderate drought, down from nearly 19 percent two weeks earlier.…

Planning for the 2021 crop will begin soon with the determination of 2021 cash rents, selection of 2021 seed hybrids and varieties, application of fertilizers and commencement of fall tillage. To aid with these decisions, Illinois Crop Budgets for 2021…

Soybean prices seem likely to vacillate between news on crop conditions and more robust demand prospects over the near term.  USDA’s Crop Production report, due out August 12, holds the potential to be an inflection point if the 2020 soybean…

In reviewing set aside acreage policy, previous articles focused on world crop markets and, in particular, the issues concerning effectiveness of the policy for corn and soybeans. This article adds to the series by focusing on the Payment-in-Kind (PIK) programs…

Since 1973, US farm program payments follow a process of moving from one regime or plateau to another, with the move occurring in a one to two year period. Two times since 1973 farm payments have increased to a higher…