Illinois BidBuy #27-422DNR-REALT-B-54116

Conservation-focused farm lease at Harry “Babe” Woodyard State Natural Area

Illinois is seeking a lessee to farm state land at Harry “Babe” Woodyard State Natural Area under a conservation-focused agricultural lease. - Government buyer: Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), including the Office of Realty and Capital Planning, Real Estate Services and Consultation Division, and Concessions and Leasing / Agriculture Farm Lease Manager. - Opportunity: Farm Lease 27AL2280 for agricultural land management that supports wildlife habitat and recreational use. - Acreage by crop year: 102.60 acres in 2027, 99.00 in 2028, 98.40 in 2029, 102.60 in 2030, 99.00 in 2031, and 13.90 in 2032. Pricing is based on a per-acre, per-year lease rate; the listed rate is $165 per acre. - Lessee responsibilities: Provide labor, machinery, tools, seed, fertilizer, equipment, and insurance; follow the site cropping plan and conservation requirements; and pay leasehold taxes. Required bid materials include an equipment list. Annual lease payments must be secured through prepayment or an irrevocable letter of credit. - Notable land-use restrictions and goals: The lease promotes soil health, erosion reduction, and improved water quality. Dicamba, neonicotinoids on soybean seed, and biosolids are prohibited; field-level cropping details are in the referenced plan. - Award basis: The lease is intended for the responsive and responsible bidder offering the highest overall price. - OEMs and vendors: No OEMs, manufacturers, or prospective vendors are named.

Description

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking bids for agricultural farming services under a farm lease at Harry "Babe" Woodyard State Natural Area in Vermilion County, Illinois. The lease covers state-owned property, with detailed locations, acreage, and cropping information provided in the attached IFB materials. The agricultural lease program is intended to support wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities through ecologically sound farming practices that improve soil health and water quality and reduce erosion and chemical impacts. Bids are due November 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM; the pre-bid meeting on October 20, 2026, is non-mandatory.

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