Description
The Florida Forest Service is seeking a qualified beef producer to lease 1,415 acres of land within the Little Big Econ State Forest in Geneva, Florida, for cattle grazing. The lease will be for a period of five years, with an optional five-year renewal. The bidder must have experience in managing cattle grazing operations and meet certain minimum qualifications, including managing an existing beef production operation of at least 1,500 acres in Florida and having a 10-year successful track record in the beef production industry. The bidder must also provide a firm, fixed price per animal unit and submit a Five-Year Grazing and Land Stewardship Plan.
Some key points to consider include:
• The lease area is 1,415 acres and is currently closed to the general public.
• The current stocking rate for the grazing lease is 250 animal units.
• The bidder must maintain proper insurance coverage and comply with all local, state, and federal regulations related to cattle grazing operations.
• The bidder must meet with the Contract Manager or designee at least twice per year to review management plan, current range conditions, and pasture performance.
• The bidder must submit three reference letters as part of the bid submission package.