Just as a sunrise sheds light on the opportunities of a new day, our initial review of a farm illuminates areas of new potential, looking for improvements consistent with your objectives. Is production achieving its potential? Are lease terms current? Is it well maintained? What factors are limiting profits? What “win-wins” can be implemented to benefit both parties to the lease?

Tap any image below for a brief summary of our farm management services and guiding principles. For a complete, printable listing of the services offered, click here: Farm Management Services

COMMUNICATION | Keeping the landowner informed about all aspects of the farm is an important part of our service. From a brief email about a weather event, to periodic crop updates, to detailed financial reports, timely correspondence conveys the information needed to keep you in touch with the farm. Open communication with the farm operator is also critical to the farm’s performance. Discussions about fertility recommendations, seed selection, and tillage set a base from which crop plans are implemented. Adjustments needed in-season must be clear to avoid misunderstandings.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS | Capital improvements should add value to the property. Value may be in the form of improved productivity and additional income from drainage tile, on farm grain storage for specialty crop contracts, a better living or working environment for the farm operator, or sentimental value passed from generation to generation. Good stewardship of these assets maintains their usefulness for many years, while planning and oversight during construction or maintenance ensures the improvement fulfills its purpose to the farm.

PRESERVING & BUILDING | The soil is the farm. According to the University of Illinois’ Bulletin 811, Optimum Crop Productivity Ratings for Illinois Soils, there are over 650 different soil types cultivated for crops in Illinois. All soil was not created equal, with productivity ratings ranging from 61 - 200 bushels per acre for corn. Although these soil types hold a wide range of characteristics, proper management impacts the productivity of each soil relative to its inherent potential. Regular soil tests, a strong emphasis on erosion control, and optimal use of surface or subsurface drainage are foundational components in taking care of your most important asset on the farm.

GRAIN MARKETING | Wide trading ranges and volatility in the grain markets create challenges, but offer opportunities. Fundamental and technical analysis, risk tolerance of the landowner, and crop insurance objectives are considered in developing a marketing plan for each farm. Whether you prefer an aggressive approach or are inclined toward the safety of harvesting the crop before you sell it, we work within your parameters to market your part of the crop.