Who really owns Illinois farmland? Most farmers are tenants, not owners
By
NaOH
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Summary
An article examining farmland ownership in Illinois, revealing that less than 25% of farmland is owned by the farmers who work it. The piece profiles Hans Bishop, a former corporate professional turned vegetable farmer who rents land from his father, as a case study illustrating the broader trend of farmland being leased by individuals, family trusts, and investors rather than owned by those who cultivate it.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledSurrounded by rows of soybeans and corn, Hans Bishop's farm in central Illinois was an anomaly.
After spending a decade in the corporate world, Bishop was inspired by documentaries such as 'Fresh' and 'Food, Inc.' that scrutinized conventional farming.
Less than 25% of Illinois farmland is owned by the farmer who works the land, with the rest leased by individuals, family trusts and, increasingly, investors looking to turn a profit.
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