2026 DeKalb | Illinois Farm Economic Summit
2026 Illinois Farm Economics Summit – Challenging Environment, Tight Margins
This year’s series of IFES meetings will update attendees on the current state of the Midwest farm economy and discuss the challenges and opportunities currently facing farmers. Despite improved pricing prospects, producers continue to operate in a challenging environment of tight margins. Production costs have continued to rise and remain subject to significant uncertainty and volatility due to ongoing geopolitical developments. At the same time, changes to biofuels and tax policy may create market opportunities for grains and oilseeds produced in ways that allow biofuel producers to qualify for low-carbon fuel tax credits.
REGISTRATION
- by noon December 7 is $80 per person
- December 8 and after is $100 per person
Walk-in registrations will be accepted the day of the meetings if space allows but cannot be guaranteed.
You are registering for the Thursday, December 17, 2026 IFES event to be held at DeKalb County Farm Bureau in Sycamore, Illinois.
- by noon December 7 is $80 per person
- December 8 and after is $100 per person
Walk-in registrations will be accepted the day of the meetings if space allows but cannot be guaranteed.
You are registering for the Thursday, December 17, 2026 IFES event to be held at DeKalb County Farm Bureau in Sycamore, Illinois.
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IFES 2026 Agenda
Thursday, December 17, 2026
DeKalb County Farm Bureau
1350 W Prairie Drive
Sycamore, IL 60178
IFES 2026 Agenda
Thursday, December 17, 2026
DeKalb County Farm Bureau
1350 W Prairie Drive
Sycamore, IL 60178
7:30 Doors Open
8:00 Session 1: Market, Financial and Income Outlook Presentations
• Grain/Livestock Market Outlook
• Macroeconomic Outlook
• Farm Financial Trends and Income Outlook
• Government Program and Risk Management Update
9:45 Session 2: Dealing with High Production Costs
A combination of presentations, discussion, and Q&A focused on management strategies with high production costs. Panelists will discuss the current situation, including relevant policy developments, and provide an outlook for crop inputs, machinery, and farmland. Strategies for producers to consider in making management decisions for their operations will be provided.
11:15 Session 3: Biofuels and Tax Policy
A combination of presentations, discussion, and Q&A covering the latest developments in biofuels policy. Focus will be on the Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z) for low-carbon fuels, the impact on grain and oilseed markets, and potential opportunities for producers.
12:30 Lunch
8:00 Session 1: Market, Financial and Income Outlook Presentations
• Grain/Livestock Market Outlook
• Macroeconomic Outlook
• Farm Financial Trends and Income Outlook
• Government Program and Risk Management Update
9:45 Session 2: Dealing with High Production Costs
A combination of presentations, discussion, and Q&A focused on management strategies with high production costs. Panelists will discuss the current situation, including relevant policy developments, and provide an outlook for crop inputs, machinery, and farmland. Strategies for producers to consider in making management decisions for their operations will be provided.
11:15 Session 3: Biofuels and Tax Policy
A combination of presentations, discussion, and Q&A covering the latest developments in biofuels policy. Focus will be on the Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z) for low-carbon fuels, the impact on grain and oilseed markets, and potential opportunities for producers.
12:30 Lunch
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