Approximately 16 percent of the farms will have negative net incomes during 2000. Projected net farm income levels for 2000 are the highest in the west southwest and southeastern regions of Illinois.
Projected incomes are lowest in the northwest region.
Government farm program payments, including market loss assistance and oilseed payments, continue to have a very significant effect on farm incomes. Projected 2000 net income levels do not lead to an overall strengthening of the financial position of Illinois grain farms. The general financial condition will deteriorate somewhat between 1999 and 2000. Some farms, however, will face severe financial stress. Over 75 percent of the farms are projected to have net worth declines between 1999 and 2000, with the average net worth decline being negative 7.3 percent.