Description
The State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources is leasing approximately 102‑acre parcels of the Harry “Babe” Woodyard State Natural Area for agricultural production over a five‑year term (2027‑2032). The vendor will manage all farm operations, including planting, fertilizing, pest management, and required reporting, while adhering to strict environmental and chemical use restrictions. The contract is awarded to the highest‑priced responsible bidder; no bid bond is required, but the vendor must provide an irrevocable Letter of Credit or pre‑pay rent annually. Key obligations include annual lease‑payment guarantees, yearly soil‑testing, submission of chemical/seed application reports, compliance with cover‑crop programs, and payment of lease‑hold taxes.
• Lease of 112.9 acres total (varying annually) with annual per‑acre pricing to be submitted by the bidder.
• Mandatory compliance with prohibitions (no neonicotinoid‑treated soybean seed, no Dicamba, no bio‑solids) and detailed reporting (chemical, seed, yield, soil‑test data) due each December 15.
• Vendor must maintain required liability, auto, and workers’ compensation insurance, and provide a Letter of Credit or pre‑payment each year; contract term runs March 1 2027 – July 30 2032, non‑renewable.