Illinois BidBuy #27-422DNR-REALT-B-54120

Conservation-focused agricultural farm lease at Shabbona Lake State Park

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking a conservation-focused farm lessee for state land at Shabbona Lake State Park. - Government buyer: Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), through its Office of Realty and Capital Planning and Real Estate Services and Consultation Division; site office: Shabbona Lake State Park. - Opportunity: Agricultural farm lease for approximately 119.70–120.95 acres per crop year in DeKalb County. The lessee operates the land and supplies labor, machinery, tools, seed, fertilizer, equipment, and insurance. - Annual acreage: 119.90 acres for 2027, 120.95 acres for 2028, 119.70 acres for 2029, 120.95 acres for 2030, and 119.90 acres for 2031. - Conservation requirements: Farming must follow the cropping plan and support wildlife habitat, soil health, erosion reduction, water quality, and recreation. Dicamba, neonicotinoid-treated soybean seed, and biosolids are prohibited; soil testing and records are required, and IDNR approval is required for specified activities. - Pricing and selection: Bids are priced per acre per year and evaluated on the highest price among responsive and responsible bidders. The schedule estimates approximately $61,944 in total lease revenue to the State over the five crop years, using a stated rate of $103 per acre. - OEMs and vendors: No commercial OEMs or named bidders/vendors are identified; the lessee is responsible for providing the farming inputs and equipment. - Contract reference: 27AL2032; no hardware or other products are requested.

Description

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking bids for an agricultural farm lease on state-owned property at Shabbona Lake State Park. The lease covers approximately 119.70 to 120.95 acres per crop year from 2027 through 2031, with detailed locations and acreage information referenced in the attachments. The program supports land management, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and ecologically sound agricultural practices. A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for October 20, 2026, and bids are due November 18, 2026.

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