27AL2244 Jim Edgar Panther Creek S. F. W. A. Farm Lease

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is requesting bids for agricultural farming services on state-owned property within Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area in Cass County, under IFB 27AL2244, with bids due October 21, 2026.

The lease covers approximately 562–571 acres, with acreage varying annually (2027: 567.20 acres; 2028: 570.70 acres; 2029: 568.60 acres; 2030: 562.50 acres; 2031: 564.60 acres). The contract term runs from March 1, 2027 through February 28, 2032 (five years, non-renewable). The lessee must comply with ecologically sound agricultural practices designed to support wildlife populations, improve soil health, minimize erosion, enhance water quality, and reduce chemical impacts. Neonicotinoid-treated soybean seed and Dicamba herbicide are prohibited; violations trigger immediate termination.

Pricing is structured per-acre annually. The lessee must submit per-acre bids for each of the five years; award is based on the total contract sum across all years. Annual lease payment is due by March 1 or may be paid via irrevocable letter of credit with semi-annual installments due July 15 and December 15. The lessee is responsible for all farming labor, equipment, machinery, tools, seed, fertilizer, and required insurance. The lessee must maintain chemical and fertilizer application logs, seed documentation, and yield monitor data and obtain IDNR approval for pesticide use, cover crop planting, fieldwork activities, and any construction or modifications. Mandatory soil testing occurs in lease years two and four (lessee-funded in year two). Participation in USDA conservation programs requires IDNR approval. The lessee may perform additional compensated services at University of Illinois-established rates.

All bids require completion of Vendor Disclosure Forms and an active Illinois Vendor Registration Number. A pre-bid conference is scheduled; bidders may claim Illinois Business Preference and Domestic Product Preference by completing required affidavits. The Standard Terms and Conditions are available on the Illinois Central Procurement Office website. Questions are due by a date established in the IFB document.