In 2000, the total of all economic costs per acre for growing corn in Illinois averaged $433 in the northern section, $433 in the central section with the higher soil ratings, $399 in the central section with the lower soil ratings, and $358 in the southern section. The soybean costs per acre were $357, $360, $323 and $286 respectively (see Tables 1 and 2). Costs were lower in the southern section primarily because land costs are lower there. The total of all economic costs per bushel in the different sections of the state ranged from $2.40 to $2.78 for corn and from $6.36 to $7.76 for soybeans. Variations in this cost were related to weather factors, yields, and land quality.
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