Our analysis of the distribution of the debt-to-asset ratios reveals that most grain farms in Illinois have maintained ratios in the strong category (below 30%) over the past two decades. However, the recent sharp rise in interest expense per tillable acre, especially for the 25% of farms with the highest debt servicing costs, signals an increase in financial strain.| farmdoc daily
Bradley Zwilling - The financial results on all Illinois farms show that on average 2024 was a poorer financial year due to lower incomes. Grain farms had their highest income ever in 2021 and 2022, leading to build ups of cash and other assets. However, after two years of low incomes on grain farms, working cash has decreased almost 40% on the average farm to 2020 levels. With projected continued lower incomes for the rest of 2025 and 2026, farmers will need to find ways to reduce costs whil...| farmdoc daily