Cash corn prices vary widely by county, ranging from $3.90 or less to $4.50 or more, with the spread driven by river and rail access, ethanol plant proximity, livestock demand, and local supply and demand dynamics. This year’s map shows stronger prices along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers and across Iowa’s dense ethanol network, while the Northern Plains are seeing lighter prices by comparison. As leasing conversations ramp up this season, these cash price differences are worth keeping in mind, since rental rates generally track corn prices and local basis levels heading into negotiations.