Agricultural Property Services

The Agricultural Property Services office manages over 13,000 acres of endowment and non-endowment farmland for the University of Illinois.  Management of endowment farmland began when the first gift of farmland was made to the University in 1923.  Endowment farm properties generate income to support the wishes of each farm’s donor.  Earnings generated by the endowment farms support research and student fellowships, scholarships, and loans. 

Other activities supported by the endowment farms include the promotion of 4-H activities and the operation of the University’s Allerton Park and Retreat Center.  Non-endowment farms were typically obtained to provide support for other activities of the University (on-farm research, airport buffer required by FAA, etc.) where tillable acres still need management in order to produce revenue to help defray the cost of operations for that unit.

Last Updated: November 12, 2008