27AL2379 Pyramid State Park - Captain Unit Farm Lease

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking bids for agricultural farming services on 203.20 acres of state-owned pasture land within Pyramid State Park's Captain Unit (27AL2379), with bids due October 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM and a mandatory pre-submission conference on October 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Denmark Multipurpose Building in Cutler, Illinois.

The scope encompasses cattle grazing management at stocking rates of 65 animal units, controlled grazing from May 1 through October 15 annually, fence and watering facility maintenance, pasture fertilization and maintenance, soil testing in specified years, and compliance with the Illinois Agronomy Handbook. Additional acceptable services include chemical and fertilizer applications, field preparation, mowing, timber stand improvements, and wetland development, compensated at University of Illinois or Iowa State University Extension custom rates. Neonicotinoid-treated seed and Dicamba use are prohibited. Double cropping is prohibited. All management activities must comply with Comprehensive Environmental Review Process (CERP) requirements and cannot exceed 10 percent of lease value or $10,000 without prior agency approval.

The contract term runs March 1, 2027, through February 28, 2032, with no renewal options. Pricing is structured on a per-acre basis across five contract years. The lessee must maintain General Commercial Liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million annual aggregate, Auto Liability of $1 million, and Workers' Compensation as required by law. An irrevocable letter of credit is required to secure cash rent and estimated real estate taxes. The lessee is responsible for all leasehold property taxes and must provide proof of payment by December 15 annually. A $15 administrative fee applies to contracts awarded at $1,000 or more, to be deducted from the first payment.

The State will award the contract to the highest priced responsive and responsible bidder. Bid prices must remain firm for 90 days from opening. Attendance at the mandatory pre-submission conference is required for bidder qualification. Bids may be submitted electronically through BidBuy or in paper format. The contract may be partially or fully funded with federal funds, with the percentage and dollar amount to be disclosed upon notice of award. Questions are due seven days after the pre-submission conference, directed to Melanie Dodd at Melanie.N.Dodd@Illinois.gov or 217/524-1308.