The Illinois Farm Bureau conducted an annual survey and found three overwhelming things: Farmers have less optimism for 2020, there is a need to regain lost export demand, and building new global markets is vital for the future. 

Other priorities that were listed in the survey include pushing for USMCA ratification, expanding investment in modern waterway infrastructure on the Mississippi and Illinois River and keeping the renewable fuel standard.

Farmer's big concerns over 2020 included holding off on purchases of new and improved equipment, working at or below break-even income levels, restructuring debt, and expenses higher than income which meant more risk.

Over 50% of Farmers also indicated that it was likely that farmers would continue to be farmed by the next generation. Over 2,700 people responded to the survey and this is the ninth year that the Illinois Farm Bureau has conducted this survey. 

Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert Junior is concerned for the future. “In 2019, farmers were challenged with historic flooding, delayed planting and harvesting, ongoing trade wars, and demand destruction to the biofuels market, all of which were key factors in contributing to a sluggish farm economy and continued uncertainty for our Illinois farmers. This is the ninth consecutive year we’ve surveyed members to gauge their feelings on key farming issues and concerns. It helps us as leaders ensure we’re tackling the issues and needs of our members and prioritizing our resources to the best of our abilities.”

The IFB has a total membership of more than 386,000 members and represents 3 out of every 4 Illinois farmers.