Illinois Economists Warn of High Break-Even Prices for 2027 Crop

Agricultural economists at the University of Illinois have predicted that input costs will continue to limit farmer profitability in the upcoming 2027 crop season.

According to a recent FarmDoc webinar, updated projections indicate potential for positive margins next year, but with caution. Gary Schnitkey stated, 'We are cautiously optimistic that returns will be higher in '26 and '27 than in the previous three years.'

Nick Paulson noted that corn and soybean prices must sustain their recent increase for this to occur.

The projected break-even prices for an average Illinois farm in 2027 are $4.92 for corn and $11.10 for soybeans, according to Schnitkey.