East Central Reporter

Illinois State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) promoted a series of Farmland Assessment Seminars in a recent Facebook post.

"If you or someone you know farms in one [of] these 13 counties and is interested to learn about the farmland assessment process, please plan to attend on June 22nd," Niemerg wrote.

Alongside fellow State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City), Niemerg will be sponsoring three regional seminars on farmland assessments with the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) on June 22, according to his website. IFB representative Brenda Matherly will present an update on the assessment process at the seminars hosted by the Clark County, Clay County and Marion County farm bureaus.

“Presentations were given three years ago about the reassessment to bring land values up to date around Illinois, and we thought it would be a good time to update farmers about the assessment process and status specifically on farmland values,” Niemerg said.

The meetings' times, locations and invited counties are as follows: The first meeting will be held by the Clark County Farm Bureau from 8:30 - 10 a.m. at American Legion Post 90 (302 S. Eighth St., Marshall) with Crawford, Cumberland and Edgar counties invited to attend. The second meeting will be hosted by the Clay County Bureau from 1 - 2:30 p.m. at 140 N. Church St., Louisville, for Effingham, Jasper and Richland counties. The Marion County Farm Bureau will conduct the final meeting from 4 - 5:30 p.m. at 1630 N. Broadway, Salem, with Bond, Clinton, Fayette and Montgomery counties invited to attend.

“Farmland values are impacted not only by the current market but also by the quality of the soil and the potential in crop production,” Wilhour said. “We encourage all of the farmers to attend and learn about the assessment process and ask questions.”

Niemerg is a Teutopolis native who has represented Illinois' 102nd District in the State House of Representatives since 2021, the Illinois General Assembly website said. His legislative experience includes serving on the Insurance Committee and the Restorative Justice Committee. Niemerg attended Lake Land College and received his bachelor's degree in history from Eastern Illinois University. He was also a senior claims adjuster with 12 years of experience for Country Financial.

According to the Illinois Department of Revenue, farmland's value is assessed based on the amount of income it can potentially produce. For example, a farm building is assessed at one-third of the value that it contributes to the farm's productivity, while farm home sites and dwellings are assessed at one-third of their market value.