Sep 20, 2024 Illinois Farmland Ownership Trends Illinois Farmland Ownership Trends Written By: Illinois Land Broker, Andrew Huber. The Changing Face of Farmland Ownership in Illinois: What It Means for Rural Land Buyers and Sellers I’ve been following **Illinois Farmland Ownership Trends** for some time now, and I recently came across some interesting insights. While absentee landownership is on the rise, it’s important to note that the top 10 absentee landowners control only about 1% of the state’s total farmland. The majority of land is still owned by local farmers and families, which keeps that important connection between the land and the people who work it alive (AgriMarketing, ISPFMRA). The Rise of Absentee Landowners in Illinois Absentee landowners—those who own the land but don’t farm it themselves—are becoming more prominent in Illinois. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for example, owns over 53,000 acres of farmland in the state. What a lot of people don’t know is that the church has historical ties to Illinois, dating back to the 1840s when Brigham Young led its members westward from here (Deseret News). Paul Pittman, founder of Farmland Partners, is another big player. He grew up in a farm family right here in Illinois and now owns around 38,000 acres of land in the state, most of which is leased to local farmers (Farmland Partners). The Scully family, known for leasing farmland to local operators for generations, also plays a significant role in Illinois agriculture (AgriMarketing). What This Means for Local Sellers If you’re considering selling your land, don’t let the rise in absentee landownership discourage you. In fact, it presents a great opportunity. Many absentee owners lease their land to local farmers, and they’re looking for well-managed, productive properties. This is your chance to highlight not only the agricultural value of your land but also its potential as a long-term investment. At LandGuys, we understand the emotional and financial value tied to your land. Whether you’re selling a family farm or a larger tract of land, our team connects you with buyers who recognize and appreciate the importance of rural property. With farmland continuing to grow as a stable investment, now is the time to showcase your land’s potential (Forbes). What This Means for Buyers For those looking to buy, the fact that absentee owners hold only 1% of Illinois farmland is reassuring. Most of the land is still in the hands of local farmers and families, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to invest in productive agricultural land. Whether you’re expanding your operation or looking for a solid investment, farmland remains a sought-after commodity, both for farming and as a long-term asset (AgriMarketing). Building Strong Connections Between Owners and Buyers One thing I’ve always believed is that rural real estate is built on relationships. Even though absentee ownership is on the rise, Illinois farmland remains closely tied to local communities. Owners like Paul Pittman and the Scully family maintain strong connections to Illinois and lease much of their land to local farmers. Building these relationships is key to exploring leasing or purchasing opportunities, and we at LandGuys pride ourselves on making those connections. Your Land is Still in Demand Even though the ownership landscape is changing, one thing remains clear: Illinois farmland is still in high demand. Whether you’re looking to sell or buy, now is the time to capitalize on this interest. At LandGuys, we specialize in rural real estate and are here to help you navigate this evolving market and make the most of your land. Get to Know Andrew Huber. Andrew brings a deep-rooted passion for the outdoors and a robust background in agriculture to the team. Hailing from Elmwood, IL, his childhood immersed in nature ignited a career path dedicated to connecting individuals with the ideal and profitable rural properties. Armed with a degree in Agronomy Management and Ag Business, Andrew’s unique blend of academic knowledge and hands-on experience positions him as a key player in the pursuit of clients’ land aspirations. Andrew provides clients with unparalleled insights and opportunities in the realm of rural properties. Whether you’re seeking advice on maximizing property potential or exploring profitable land investments, the Andrew stands ready to guide you with passion, precision, and a shared commitment to excellence. Stay connected with Andrew, be sure to follow him on Facebook, and Instagram. Sources: Holly Spangler, “Who owns the most farmland in Illinois?” Prairie Farmer. https://www.agrimarketing.com/s/150857 Deseret News, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Farmland Ownership.” https://www.deseret.com Farmland Partners, “Paul Pittman: Executive Chairman.” https://www.farmlandpartners.com Forbes, “Why Farmland is an Underrated Investment Asset.” https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2023/03/29/why-farmland-is-an-underrated-investment-asset/ Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ISPFMRA), “Absentee Landowners in Illinois.” https://www.ispfmra.org