Illinois Corn Prices in 2025

Lyndi Allen
April 24, 2025

As planting begins, Illinois corn farmers are navigating a constantly changing market. Despite some price increases earlier in the year, futures prices remain below break-even levels, making it difficult for growers to cover the full cost of production.


According to farmdoc daily’s revised 2025 crop budgets, recent data shows break-even prices to cover nonland costs remain in the range of $3.17 to $3.66 per bushel for corn and break-even prices to cover total costs (non-land plus average cash rent) range from $4.60 to $4.66 for corn.


A farmdoc daily analysis shows that 2025 marks one of the few years since 2000 where the break-even price for corn exceeds the projected market price, meaning that even efficient producers are likely to see losses.


The fix to this economic downturn is to build demand for U.S. corn, a measure that Congress could do today by passing year-round E15 legislation. Notably, this solution also costs no money for taxpayers. Congress could drive even more demand for corn by passing a high-octane fuel policy that would set a new certification fuel with higher octane, driving fuel efficiency. Neither of these is an ethanol mandate; instead, these options open the marketplace for higher blends of ethanol.


As the 2025 planting season progresses, IL Corn will continue to look at market trends and to advocate for expanded market opportunities to support Illinois corn farmers.

Evan playing in dirt
By Tara Desmond September 22, 2025
Two year old Evan on the farm.
Jason at his farm in Manito
By Tara Desmond September 19, 2025
Jason Proehl isn’t just a fifth-generation farmer—he’s also an attorney who helps families protect their farms for the next generation.
Corn stalks in focus, with a combine harvesting corn in a field on a sunny day.
By Lyndi Allen September 18, 2025
Illinois farmers are concerned about their farms and the need for changes in production costs. Policy action is needed to expand ethanol blends, improve market access, and address high input costs.
man on farm working on equipment
By Tara Desmond September 18, 2025
It Seemed Routine—Until It Wasn’t
Collin Watters at podium
By Tara Desmond September 18, 2025
IL Corn joined the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council and Illinois Economic Development Association on a Japan trade mission, strengthening global markets for Illinois corn and ethanol and fostering new opportunities for farmers.
Winners
September 18, 2025
An air filter made from corn? That's right -- this company and more are coming up with innovative solutions using corn.
Show More