Opportunity
Illinois BidBuy #27-422DNR-REALT-B-54113
Turkey Bluffs State Fish and Wildlife Area Agricultural Farm Lease
Posted
October 05, 2026
Respond By
November 25, 2026
Identifier
27-422DNR-REALT-B-54113
NAICS
111110
Illinois is seeking a qualified lessee to farm state-owned land at Turkey Bluffs State Fish and Wildlife Area for five crop years. - Government buyer: Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), including its Office of Realty and Capital Planning, Real Estate Services and Consultation Division, and Concessions and Leasing; Agriculture Farm Lease Manager. - Opportunity: Farm Lease 27AL2003 for agricultural use in Randolph County, Illinois. No OEMs, commercial vendors, or named bidders are identified. - Acreage by crop year: 2027 — 254.41 acres; 2028 — 225.81 acres; 2029 — 247.61 acres; 2030 — 254.41 acres; 2031 — 216.21 acres. Bidders provide a price per acre per year; the State estimates a rate of $112 per acre annually. - Purpose and requirements: Farming must support wildlife habitat, soil health, water quality, and recreation through conservation-oriented practices. Requirements include following the cropping plan, managing cover crops and soil fertility, keeping fieldwork and application records, and conducting soil testing. Dicamba and neonicotinoid-treated soybean seed are restricted. - Lessee responsibilities: Provide labor, machinery, tools, seed, fertilizer, and equipment; maintain required records; and meet insurance and leasehold tax obligations. Annual lease payments must be guaranteed through prepayment or an irrevocable letter of credit. - Award basis: The State expects to select the responsive and responsible bidder offering the highest overall price.
Description
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking bids for a farm lease for agricultural purposes on state-owned property at Turkey Bluffs State Fish & Wildlife Area in Randolph County, Illinois. The lease covers acreage listed for crop years 2027 through 2031, with locations and acreage details provided in the solicitation attachments. The agricultural lease is intended to support wildlife populations and recreational opportunities through ecologically sound farming practices. The bid opening deadline is November 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM.