Farm Management

The Midwest corn belt has some of the best soils in the world. Illinois is setting in the center of the corn belt with top quality soils with much of it non-irrigated. This allows for high production without the concern over water rights or draining of an aquifer that is seen in other parts of the country.

Recent headlines are emphasizing “sustainable ag production” and “regenerative ag production”. There are multiple definitions of both of these terms. But, overall the emphasis is on keeping the soil healthy with high microbial activity and active organic matter in the soil. In doing so, the soil will continue to be productive for generations to come.

In farmland management, these questions should be asked and answered. How is your farmland being farmed? Are you focusing on regenerative agriculture? Is your emphasis on keeping or improving your biological activity and organic matter? What are your tillage operations? Are you utilizing cover crops to increase biologic activity in the root zone?

If you are leasing your farm, is your farmer recognizing these factors? Is he conducting tillage that will improve the soil long-term? Is he utilizing other methods that will keep your soils at their highest potential?

With 40+ years of farmland management experience across nearly the entire Midwest corn belt, MRI can assist with these questions. Cropland production should likely no longer be done “the same as dad (or grandpa) did it”. It could mean that a new perspective should be applied. One that will make the farm and its soils “productive for the next generation(s)”.

With that in mind, what type of lease should be considered for your farm? Should it be a fixed rent? Should it provide flexibility of lease/rent based on production? How should the landlord participate in the production? What can the landlord do to improve the current and future production capacity?

MRI can assist with these questions and provide input for both you and your tenant farmer. The answers may involve minor or even major changes in the operation. It may involve a change in the lease arrangement. In any case, you will have the confidence that you are focusing on the future generations of farmers that will continue to produce the highest yields on the best soils in the world.

If you have questions or concerns regarding your farm and the current lease arrangements or production capacity, give us a call or email us. We can provide a free analysis of the operation and assist with any changes that are needed or desired.