Illinois BidBuy #27-422DNR-REALT-B-54111

Five-year agricultural farm lease at Chauncey Marsh State Natural Area–Cox Addition

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking a lessee to farm approximately 84.38 acres at Chauncey Marsh State Natural Area–Cox Addition in Crawford County. - Government buyer: Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), including its Office of Realty and Capital Planning, Real Estate Services and Consultation Division, Concessions and Leasing, Agriculture Farm Lease Manager, and Agricultural Lease Program. - Opportunity: Five-year agricultural farm lease covering five crop fields and crop years 2027–2031. The contract period runs from 2027 into 2032; renewal is not permitted. - OEMs and vendors: No commercial OEMs, vendors, or agricultural product manufacturers are named. No commercial products or part numbers are requested. - Farm lease and estimated values: The lessee farms in accordance with IDNR’s field-specific cropping plan. Estimated rent to the State is $168 per acre, or $14,175.84 per year. Estimated annual value to the lessee is $66,943.72 for crop years 2027, 2029, and 2031, and $48,207.98 for crop years 2028 and 2030. - Cropping and conservation requirements: The plan includes corn, soybeans, and designated cover crops. Double cropping is prohibited. Requirements include restrictions on specified neonicotinoid-treated soybean seed and dicamba, compliance with Atrazine label directions, and cover-crop planting and termination according to designated timing rules. - Other notable obligations: The lessee supplies labor, machinery, tools, seed, fertilizer, equipment, and insurance; maintains farm records; and reports chemical, fertilizer, seed, and available yield-monitor data. Biosolids are prohibited. IDNR may approve wildlife-management work in lieu of cash payments.

Description

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking bids for an agricultural farm lease covering approximately 84.38 acres of State-owned property near Chauncey Marsh State Natural Area in Crawford County, Illinois. The lease covers crop years 2027 through 2031, with cropping plans and field details included in the attachments. The program is intended to support land management, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities through ecologically sound agricultural practices. The solicitation is an open Invitation for Bid, and bids are due November 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM.

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