Farmland values in FCI's 60-county territory increased for the fifth consecutive year. Values throughout central and southern Illinois increased 8.1% on average from last year, according to the 2023 study of 20 benchmark farms by the FCI appraisal team. While this sets a new peak for the study, 2023 values increased more moderately than reported in 2022. The study compares July 1 values from year-to-year, dating back to 1974.

On August 9, FCI ceremonially broke ground on a Mahomet regional office annex located immediately southeast of the existing cooperative headquarters. Mahomet branch and central office staff have worked from the current facility since June 2008 after relocating from west Champaign. In the past 15 years, the Association’s owned, managed, and collaborated loan portfolio more than tripled from $2 billion to more than $6 billion and the number of employees increased by 75% – from 165 to 290.

The annex accommodates the increasing number of staff needed to serve the Association’s growing lending and crop insurance business and satisfy the increased regulatory guidance and controls required by the Farm Credit Administration. Construction is expected to be complete by fall 2024.

The Farmland Trends Tracker delivers a summary of public auctions throughout the cooperative’s 60-county territory in the past six months. The latest release includes results from February-July 2023 – plus a few January sales missed in the last report – capturing 82 different farmland auctions for a grand total of $95 million with an average price of $13,373 per acre. 

Learn More About Farm Cash Management® – Another way to put your cash to work.

Three young farmer couples were named the FreshRoots Directors Cup honorees – celebrating their commitment to continuous learning and intentional living for a brighter future for their farm family business and community.

Farm Financials 1: Statements & Analysis – This interactive workshop breaks down the balance sheet, and discusses business planning and managing the financial health of your farm.

Farm Financials 2: Benchmarking & Roadmapping – This program builds on Farm Financials 1, diving deeper into understanding financial ratios and best practices of successful operations. Leave equipped with tools to better monitor your farm’s financial trendlines.

Corn & Soybean Premium Billing Date – Interest on unpaid premiums begins accruing after Nov. 30, following the RMA’s 60-day extension from the traditional Sept. 30 date for 2023

Margin Protection & Wheat Discovery Period – 2024 MP and wheat projected prices set

Margin Protection & Wheat Sales Closing Date – Last date to purchase, change, or cancel coverage

Corn & Soybean Harvest Price Discovery Period – 2023 corn and soybean harvest prices set