News

How to navigate wind and solar leases Renewable energy and the allure of solar and wind leases are sweeping across the Illinois prairie. But every gust of opportunity brings a whirlwind of questions. By: Michael Lauher   Illinois stands at the forefront of developing renewable energy. Almost every day, new solar panels and wind towers […]

This year’s McLean County Corn Yield Estimate came in at 223.69 bushels per acre, with yield sample estimates ranging from 171.6 bushels per acre to 260.4 bushels per acre.  For more details, please use the links below.  Highlights of 2023 McLean County Yield Survey 2023 McLean County Township Map 2023 McLean County Yield Survey   […]

Why big finance is betting on farmland Land Values: Your retirement fund — and those of your neighbors — are driving the next agricultural revolution. By: Michael Lauher On the wind-swept plains of the heartland, an agricultural revolution is quietly underway. This one’s not led by advances in machinery or biotech, but rather by the […]

The latest issue of the Midwest Farmowner has been published covering topics such as cover crops, crop insurance, and staff updates.  For the full publication please us the link below. Midwest Farmowner Summer 2023

Land Values: Looking back over time and droughts, the answer might surprise you. By: Michael Lauher Farm managers are hearing it more and more often: How does the drought impact farmland values? It’s a question that’s weighing on the minds of many as we approach the fall farmland sale season. According to data released by […]

By Michael Lauher Every year presents a unique blend of challenges and rewards for farming. Few things have as much impact on a farming operation as land rent. In Illinois, 2022 proved to be exceptional for farmers and, subsequently, landowners, as reported in the recent survey by the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and […]

Illinois Climate & Water Patterns: A Look at Recent Trends and the Prelude to the 2012 Drought By: Michael Lauher My boss, Cory Kaufman, stopped by my office last week and asked, “Have you looked at the Drought Monitor map lately?”.  In fact, I had when doing research on another article.  “It looks awful similar […]

By: Michael Lauher As summer approaches and the temperature climbs higher, the air hums with the energy of the season, with each day bringing warmer temperatures.  As we bask in the familiar comfort of summer, our thoughts may shift to a new rhythm emerging in our agricultural landscapes. Thirty years ago, when I first shared […]