Description
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is offering a five‑year, revenue‑generating farm lease of approximately 814.22 acres at the Double “T” State Fish & Wildlife Area (Rice Lake). The lease will be awarded to the highest‑priced responsive and responsible bidder, with separate lease payments for each crop year (2027‑2031). The lessee must manage all farming operations, adhere to strict environmental and wildlife‑conservation constraints, provide required insurance, submit detailed agronomic reports, and pay lease‑hold taxes annually. The solicitation includes extensive attachments (contracts, equipment list, soil‑test requirements, and cover‑crop programs) and requires submission of vendor disclosures, insurance certificates, and an irrevocable letter of credit or cash rent guarantee.
• Lease area: 814.22 acres, annual lease value to vendor estimated ~$630‑$640 K per year.
• Contract term: March 1 2027 to February 28 2032 (5 years) with no renewal.
• Mandatory compliance: environmental restrictions (no neonicotinoid‑treated soybeans, no dicamba), annual soil‑testing, cover‑crop planting, and detailed reporting (chemical, seed, yield logs).
• Submission: electronic or paper bid due by 11/12/2026 2 PM; pre‑bid conference on 10/15/2026 (non‑mandatory).