Guess who owns the most farmland in Illinois

ILLINOIS - Illinois, known for its rich and productive farmland, has drawn the attention of many investors. However, it may come as a surprise that the largest farmland owner in the state is not a traditional agribusiness or a wealthy individual, but the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This religious organization has quietly amassed significant land holdings in central Illinois, viewing farmland as a prudent and stable investment, and as a potential resource for future food production in times of need.

Trailing behind the church is the Scully Family, whose deep roots in Illinois farmland ownership date back to the 1800s. Their history in the region is long and storied, with William Scully originally purchasing large swaths of land in Logan County. The Scully family's continued management and expansion of these holdings have solidified their position as one of the state's largest landowners.

Bill Gates, known for being the largest individual farmland owner in the U.S., also makes an appearance on the list, holding nearly 12,000 acres of prime Illinois farmland. His involvement, alongside other major players like Farmland Partners, highlights the increasing value and attractiveness of agricultural land as a long-term investment.

Despite these significant holdings, the majority of Illinois farmland remains in the hands of local farmers. This ongoing presence of family-run farms alongside large-scale investors illustrates the evolving dynamics of land ownership in the state, with Illinois farmland continuing to be a critical asset for both traditional and modern stakeholders.