Hiatt Farmland Services

07/16/2025

Upcoming Farmland Cash Rent Auction – Livingston County, Illinois! Hiatt Enterprises is excited to announce the Wyllie Farms Cash Rent Auction. We have 705.08 tillable acres available across Union & Broughton Townships.

With 5 separate tracts to choose from, you can bid on one or multiple parcels! These properties feature productive soils, strong fertility, and a history of excellent yields—nearly all pattern tiled for your convenience. Don't miss out on this opportunity for a 2-year lease (2026–2027).

Online bidding begins on Monday, August 25th, 2025, opening at 9:00 a.m. CST and closing at 12:00 p.m. CST.

Register and bid online at bid.hiattland.com, and find full details at www.HiattLand.com. For more information, contact Richard Hiatt at 309-838-7933 or [email protected].

Secure your chance to lease prime Illinois farmland today!

04/19/2025

04/16/2025

Soybean Planting Update at Hiatt Farmland Services:
As we kick off soybean planting across Central Illinois, we're closely monitoring the weather conditions. Fortunately, with low temperatures predicted to remain above freezing, the risk of frost after planting is minimal through the end of April, providing an ideal opportunity to get those seeds in the ground.

The frost risk outlook for April 16–29 in McLean County shows that most nights are expected to stay in the 40s and 50s, with only one night dipping near 40°F. Historical data supports this, indicating strong early-season emergence and vigor.

Here’s a quick look at the forecast:
- April 16 Low: 49°F – Very Low Risk
- April 19 Low: 40°F – Low Risk
- April 29 Low: 44°F – Very Low Risk

At Hiatt Farmland Services, we utilize a data-first strategy for our planting decisions—timing is everything! Whether you’re actively planting or keeping an eye on the season, rely on us to monitor conditions and optimize your farming outcomes.

Contact us for more information.

04/14/2025

🚜 Smart Farming Starts with Hiatt Farmland Services! 🌱

Managing farmland is more than just planting and harvesting—it’s about making the right decisions for long-term success. At Hiatt Farmland Services, we provide expert Farm Management, Consulting, and Property Management to help landowners and farmers increase efficiency, boost profitability, and protect their investment.

✅ Strategic Planning
✅ Sustainable Solutions
✅ Maximized Farm Potential

Let’s work together to cultivate success! 🌾 Contact us today. 📩



Let me know if you’d like any adjustments!

04/12/2025

How Does Farmland Ownership Compare to Other Investments? With economic uncertainty on the rise, many investors are reassessing their strategies: Is farmland still a smart place to invest? Let's break it down:

- Commercial Real Estate: Offers rental income but tends to fluctuate with the economy.
- Stocks (S&P 500): Known for strong long-term gains, yet they come with high volatility and short-term risks.
- Farmland: Historically stable, farmland has consistently appreciated in value and offers annual income potential.

Over the past 20 years, farmland has outperformed both the stock market and commercial real estate in terms of average annual returns.

Check out our detailed comparison! If you could choose one asset to invest in for the next 20 years, which would it be? Share your thoughts in the comments!

04/09/2025

In 2024, Illinois farmland demonstrated resilience with varied trends based on soil productivity. While we observed slight declines in the value of excellent and good soils, lower productivity classes experienced notable appreciation. Here's a quick summary:

- Excellent Soils: $16,906/acre (2023) → $16,359/acre (2024), down 3.3%
- Good Soils: $12,876/acre (2023) → $12,626/acre (2024), down 1.9%
- Average Soils: $9,154/acre (2023) → $9,548/acre (2024), up 4.3%
- Fair Soils: $7,459/acre (2023) → $8,141/acre (2024), up 9.1%

The mixed trends reflect a strong ongoing demand across farmland classes. For those considering farmland sales, leases, or any long-term planning, let's connect and discuss strategies tailored to your needs.

04/07/2025

Crop Input Costs: What’s Changed in 2025? Input costs continue to be a major factor impacting farm profitability. Here's a breakdown of the notable changes this year:

- Fertilizer: Prices have slightly decreased but are still above pre-2020 levels.
- Herbicide: Costs have risen significantly due to ongoing global supply chain challenges.
- Seed: There are modest price increases, but advancements in yield potential are helping to justify these costs.
- Fuel & Equipment: Costs are continuously climbing, emphasizing the need for efficient operations more than ever.

Check out our side-by-side chart comparing 2024 and 2025 costs per acre.

How are you adjusting your budget this spring? Share your strategies in the comments!

04/05/2025

Grain Market Update: What's Driving the Downturn? Corn and soybean prices have experienced a decline this week, primarily influenced by escalating global trade tensions. Here’s what’s impacting the markets:

- **China’s Tariff Retaliation**: A new 34% tariff on U.S. agricultural products, including corn and soybeans, has raised concerns among export markets.
- **Global Demand Shifts**: Buyers are likely to redirect their purchases away from the U.S., creating uncertainty in pricing.
- **Weather & Planting Delays**: Producers may reconsider their acreage in response to lower price expectations.
- **USDA Acreage Outlook**: Projections indicate 92 million acres of corn and 85 million acres of soybeans in 2025.

Grain prices have steadily declined over the past month, with a sharp acceleration following the tariff announcement. Do you think a rebound is on the horizon before summer? Share your thoughts in the comments!

03/22/2025

How are tariffs on agriculture affecting consumer behavior? With evolving trade policies, it's crucial to gauge their impact on food prices and consumer sentiment. Dr. Maria Kalaitzandonakes, Dr. Johnathan Coppes, and Dr. Brenna Ellison have explored this in their article Consumer Concerns about Tariffs and Food Prices, now on farmdocdaily.illinois.edu. This insightful piece sheds light on the responses of consumers—agriculture’s essential customers—as they navigate their grocery shopping experience. If you're involved in farm management, ag real estate, or rural appraisals, understanding these perspectives is vital for strategic planning. Read it today!

03/19/2025

Join us at the 2025 Illinois Land Values Conference on March 27th! This annual event, co-hosted by the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and the Real Estate Land Institute, is essential for landowners, farm managers, and real estate professionals.

Hear from keynote speaker Dr. David Kohl, who will share valuable insights on the latest trends in U.S. agriculture. Don't miss out on this opportunity to stay ahead in the industry.

Who should attend?
- Landowners
- Farm Managers
- Rural Appraisers
- Ag Lenders & Investors
- Anyone interested in Illinois farmland trends

Register today at WWW.ISPFMRA.org.

03/17/2025

Waterhemp doesn't take a break, and neither should your w**d control strategy! As we gear up to terminate cereal rye and focus on early-season w**d management, having an effective herbicide plan is essential.

✔️ Make sure to consider the residual activity of your tank mix
✔️ Remember, application timing is crucial - early control leads to better yields!

What’s your go-to herbicide program for Enlist soybeans in cover crops? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

03/15/2025

Spring Readiness: Finalizing Input Decisions & Planting Prep

Spring is almost here! Our team is collaborating with landowners and operators to ensure a strong start to the 2025 growing season. From input planning to crop rotations and cover crop termination, every decision matters.

Are you making any last-minute adjustments to your planting plans? Drop your thoughts below!