Table of Contents
- Mike Says… (President’s Message)
- IFMA 25 Heads to Argentina in 2026
- 2025 Summer Tour — August 6‑8, Dubuque Area
- Enrolled in the LEX Program? Chapter Can Help With $$
- MAG Looking to Future Programs for Members
- YPN Member Profile — Spencer Smith, AFM, ALC
- Farmland Values ‘Softening,’ Rent Prices Dipping
- Farmland Values Report Available at No Cost (PDF) & Mark Your Calendar
- “Advanced Topics in Farm Management” Offered at Illinois State University
- Ag Legislative Day
- Welcome New Members
- We’re on Social Media
- YPN Member Profile — Diane Zelhart
Land Values Conference Plays to Full House, Details Below
Questions for Dr. Kohl
Sarah Immordina, an ISU nursing student taking Farm Management as an elective, discusses farmer health with David Kohl, Ph.D., the keynote speaker at the March 27 Land Values Conference. The two are joined by Maria Boerngen, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Agribusiness at the campus. More photos inside.
Mike Says… (President’s Message)
by Michael Lauher, AFM — President, ISPFMRA
As spring returns to Illinois, so does the energy and momentum within our Society. Here are some updates on recent highlights and exciting upcoming events that reflect the strength and direction of the ISPFMRA.
On March 27, we hosted another successful Illinois Land Values Conference. With nearly 200 attendees, Dr. David Kohl kicked off the morning with his signature insights on the economic pulse of agriculture, followed by Alec Bean’s deep dive into Section 180 deductions and residual fertility strategies. The morning concluded with Luke Worrell and Dr. Gary Schnitkey presenting the 2025 Illinois Land Values & Lease Trends Report. Once again, through the hard work of every member who contributes, we demonstrate the vital role our Society plays in providing high-quality, data-driven resources to landowners, managers, and rural appraisers.
The day before the conference, our leadership team gathered for a Strategic Planning Session led by Russ Hiatt. We revisited our purpose, assessed our progress, and identified top goals that will shape our direction through 2027. As a Society, we remain committed to sharpening our mission, measuring our progress, and delivering value to both our members and the broader ag community.
On April 9, Nick Suess, Miranda Langen, and I joined the agricultural industry in Springfield for Ag Legislative Day. It was an invaluable chance to share breakfast with legislators, network with key industry representatives, and — most importantly — represent our profession with professionalism and purpose. It was again a unique opportunity to offer ourselves as expert resources on agricultural land and policy.
This summer offers no shortage of opportunities to connect and grow. Registration is now open for ASFMRA’s Education Week, July 20–26, in Omaha, Nebraska. With qualifying education courses, continuing‑education seminars, and a slate of networking events, it’s a great way to earn credit hours and strengthen your professional relationships.
And don’t miss our largest‑ever Midwest Joint Summer Tour with the Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin Chapters of ASFMRA, happening August 6–8 in Dubuque, Iowa. The tour includes farm visits, policy discussions, a golf fundraiser for scholarships, and even a visit to the Field of Dreams… bring your glove!
As we get busy with spring fieldwork, I hope you’ll take time to engage with your fellow members this season. ISPFMRA remains strong because of your participation and professionalism.
Warm regards,
Michael Lauher, AFM ALC
President, Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers
IFMA 25 Heads to Argentina in 2026
The International Farm Management Association (IFMA) announces the 25th International Farm Management Congress (IFMA25) will take place February 22‑27, 2026 in Rosario, Argentina.
This prestigious global event brings together farmers, researchers, educators, advisors, policymakers, and other industry leaders to discuss the latest advancements in farm management and exchange ideas to help shape a resilient, prosperous, and sustainable future for agriculture.
Rosario is the third‑largest city in Argentina and an agricultural and industrial hub in the nation’s fertile Pampas region, one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world.
With the theme “Empowering the Future of Agriculture,” the Congress will delve into innovative solutions for sustainable farming, resilience for agricultural enterprises, and the role of technology in advancing productivity and efficiency. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on farming practices in Argentina and worldwide and will engage in discussions on global challenges and local solutions.
The Congress will be hosted in partnership with Austral University’s Rosario Campus, the #1 university in Argentina. The program will feature presentations from industry experts, concurrent sessions, tours of local farms and agrifood operations, a rich social program, and a Next Gens track designed to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.
For more information, visit www.ifma.network and follow @IFMAOnline #IFMA25. No visas are required—only a current U.S. passport.
2025 Summer Tour — August 6‑8, Dubuque Area
Details for the 2025 Summer Tour are still coming together as the committee is meeting again on April 29 to finalize the agenda.
This will be a unique event in which four Chapters—Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota—come together for the first time. In a survey earlier this year, more than 100 members from the different chapters expressed interest in attending.
Current planning calls for a golf outing (proceeds to scholarship programs) on August 6, tours of local agriculture and other interests on the 7th, and classroom courses the morning of the 8th where CE credits may be earned. Look for more details in very early May as the agenda becomes finalized.
Enrolled in the LEX Program? Chapter Can Help With $$
The ASFMRA Leadership Excellence Program (LEX) is a comprehensive, three‑stage series designed to equip current and future leaders with essential skills and resources.
If you become part of the LEX program, the Illinois Chapter offers a ONE‑TIME GRANT OF UP TO $1,000 per member. Submit a written request with an itemized, paid receipt from ASFMRA and the Chapter will reimburse you.
MAG Looking to Future Programs for Members
Members of ASFMRA’s Membership Advisory Group (MAG) offered thoughtful feedback at their March 5 meeting, according to Terry Kestner, ARA, RPRA, president‑elect and MAG facilitator.
“I want to share how we’re taking those ideas into consideration as we look ahead….”
Networking and Connections – Ideas under review include an optional Mentor‑Mentee Meetup, designated District Conversation areas during meals/auction, a Leadership Excellence alumni gathering, and possible virtual Peer Mentorship Circles.
Support Through Market Shifts – MAG is exploring a Farm Bill webinar, a Washington, DC policy update, a land‑values trends panel, and a Dr. David Kohl session on economics and trade.
Education and Resources for the Future – Topics forwarded to education committees include AI tools, drone usage, GIS mapping, farm and land transitions, cloud‑based data, and standard FSA‑form resources.
YPN Member Profile — Spencer Smith, AFM, ALC
Background: I grew up in Bloomington and attended ISU, majoring in Ag Business. Our family farm is located just outside Jacksonville.
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family and two dogs, hunting, fishing.
Employer: Hertz Farm Management, Inc. — Farm Manager, Real Estate Broker, Auctioneer.
Years in Profession: 9
Influence: A college professor encouraged me to explore farm management and real estate; conversations with farm managers confirmed it was the right fit.
What I Enjoy: Helping clients preserve family legacies.
Future Outlook: Professional farm management will remain essential as more generations are removed from the farm.
Advice: “Be a sponge… Always be a student of the game.”
Farmland Values ‘Softening,’ Rent Prices Dipping
Farmland values are softening, with downward pressure on rental agreements, according to the 2025 Illinois Farmland Values and Lease Trends Report released March 28 at the Illinois Land Values Conference.
• Average sales price for Excellent‑productivity land dropped 3.29 percent from 2023.
• Average‑productivity land prices rose 4.45 percent.
• More “no sales” at auctions in the last six months than in all of 2021‑2023 combined.
Expectations for 2025 – 64 percent of respondents expect prices to decline, 31 percent expect them to remain the same, and only 5 percent expect an increase.
Rent Outlook – Cash rents decreased heading into 2025, with further declines expected for 2026.
Farmland Values Report Available at No Cost (PDF) & Mark Your Calendar
For the first time, the Chapter is making the complete 114‑page report available immediately and free of charge at www.ispfmra.org. Printed copies may be ordered for $20 delivered.
Key upcoming dates:
• July 20‑26 — Summer Education Week, Omaha NE
• Aug 6‑9 — Four‑Chapter Summer Tour, Dubuque IA
• Nov 9‑12 — ASFMRA Annual Conference, Clearwater FL
• Feb 4‑5 2026 — ISPFMRA Annual Meeting, Springfield IL
• Apr 1‑2 2026 — Illinois Land Values Conference, Bloomington IL
“Advanced Topics in Farm Management” Offered at Illinois State University
by Dr. Maria Boerngen, ISPFMRA Academic Vice President & Associate Professor of Agribusiness at ISU
In the spring semester of 2025, I developed and taught a new “Advanced Topics in Farm Management” course after students asked for more beyond the regular Farm Management class. Seven juniors and seniors tackled projects ranging from precision‑fertilizer experiments to a semester‑long research study, “Farm Management Shaping Illinois Agriculture.” They interviewed professional farm managers (including ISPFMRA members) and presented at the ISU Research Symposium. Students also attended the Land Values Conference and found it invaluable.
Ag Legislative Day
by Nick Suess
On April 9, an ISPFMRA delegation (Michael Lauher, Miranda Langen, Nick Suess) joined Ag Legislative Day at the State Capitol. After a networking breakfast, speakers included Illinois Department of Agriculture Director, Governor J.B. Pritzker, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, and legislative ag‑committee leaders. The group met privately with House Ag Committee Minority Spokesperson, offering ISPFMRA as a resource on landowner issues, and visited the Senate Chamber.
Welcome New Members
Jacob Bauman — First Illinois Ag Group
Jackson Christenson — Compeer Financial
Andrew Hanes — Busey Bank
Cole Rappe — Student
Eric Russow — First Mid
Travis Schaller — Schaller Group
Seth Wiley — Babson Farms
We’re on Social Media
Follow the Chapter for news and content:
• Facebook: Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers
• LinkedIn: ASFMRA Illinois Chapter
• X (Twitter): @ispfmra1928
Please like, follow, and share our posts, and invite fellow members to do the same.
YPN Member Profile — Diane Zelhart
Background: Grew up in the Midwest; double B.S. in Finance and Agribusiness, Illinois State University (2014).
Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, outdoor activities with husband Ryan, gardening to raise mission funds, supporting farm‑to‑table initiatives.
Employer: Agri‑Access — Certified General Real Estate Appraiser (licensed in IL, IA, IN, SD).
Experience: 10+ years appraising agricultural properties, rural housing, and specialized ag facilities.
Career Motivation: Combines finance, agribusiness, and ag roots; values providing clear, supported valuations for client decisions.
Enjoyment: Variety of properties, uncovering value factors, building client relationships, contributing to agriculture.
Future Outlook: Tech and data will enhance appraisal accuracy; sustainability and renewable projects will expand appraisal roles.
Advice: Be curious and keep learning; seek mentorship and stay current with trends.
Favorite Quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill
Professional Affiliations: American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers; leadership projects with Agri‑Access/Compeer Financial.