Description
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is awarding a five‑year sole‑source agricultural lease for approximately 24.70 acres at the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge – Moraine Hills parcel. The lease will generate revenue for the state while requiring the lessee to manage all farming operations, including labor, equipment, seed, fertilizer, insurance, and compliance with conservation‑agriculture practices. The selected vendor, Ryan Gieseke, will be responsible for the full‑service operation from 2027 through 2032, with an estimated total contract value of $116,422 (state portion $12,350, vendor portion $97,502).
• Lease of 24.7 acres for agricultural production (crop years 2027‑2031).
• Sole‑source award under Illinois statutes permitting leases ≤ 50 acres without competitive bidding.
• Vendor must provide all inputs, labor, equipment, and insurance; the state receives a modest annual revenue ($2,470 per year).
• Contract term: 5 years, no renewals; estimated vendor earnings ~$97.5 k.