27AL2245 Jim Edgar Panther Creek S. F. W. A. Farm Lease

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is requesting bids for agricultural farming services on approximately 637 to 658 acres at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area in Cass County under IFB 27AL2245, with bids due November 4, 2026, and a mandatory pre-bid conference on October 6, 2026.

The lessee will farm the property over a five-year term from March 1, 2027, through February 28, 2032, under a detailed cropping plan emphasizing soil health, cover crops, and wildlife habitat. The scope includes compliance with specified herbicide restrictions (neonicotinoids and Dicamba prohibited), mandatory cover crop planting on approximately 50 percent of leased acres annually, integrated pest management practices, field border and wildlife corridor maintenance, and comprehensive documentation of all chemical, fertilizer, and seed applications. The lessee must maintain soil nutrient levels per the Illinois Agronomy Handbook and coordinate with the Site Superintendent and District Wildlife Biologist. The contract encompasses 45 field parcels with a six-year cropping plan. Acceptable services in lieu of cash payments include chemical and fertilizer application, field operations, drainage repairs, and timber stand improvement, reimbursed at University of Illinois or Iowa State University Extension custom rates.

Bidding is on a per-acre annual rate for each of five contract years; the award goes to the highest-price responsive and responsible bidder. The lessee must guarantee rent through prepayment or an irrevocable letter of credit and pay all leasehold taxes on the property (projected at $31,439.70 for 2025). General Commercial Liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence / $2 million annual aggregate and Auto Liability of $1 million per occurrence are required. The contract is contingent on appropriation by the Illinois General Assembly. Bids must remain firm for 90 days from opening. Vendors must submit Vendor Disclosure or IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure forms, comply with Illinois Business Preference and Domestic Product Preference requirements, and certify minority contractor initiative compliance. Questions are due seven days after the pre-bid conference. Electronic submission via BidBuy is encouraged; paper submissions accepted.