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Illinois farmer optimistic about corn profitability

A central Illinois farmer says he is optimistic about the profitability of corn this year, despite high fertilizer costs.

Elliott Uphoff of Findlay tells Brownfield they spring apply their nitrogen, so they are looking at a hefty fertilizer bill but, “I still see a pretty good profit margin for corn, especially considering what the price of corn is today, and I’m feeling pretty optimistic about the future.”

He says some farmers are concerned about the profitability of corn for 2023 if input prices don’t come down, but right now corn prices look supportive.

“Right now you can lock in some $6.50 floors for 2023 corn and that seems like a pretty good place to be.”

Uphoff says they are still waiting to plant, but plan to keep their intended corn and soybean acreage the same this year.

“Keeping that rotation the same year after year is a lot easier than trying to outguess the market.”

He says instead, they cut down on dry fertilizer last winter to help ease spending.