Alfalfa Sales

Muskegon County is seeking bids for alfalfa sales through a Request for Bids (RFB) for agricultural production on six specific fields totaling approximately 521 acres at the Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center. The procurement covers a four-year contract period from 2025-2028, with the initial crop to be planted in spring 2025. Bidders must provide moisture-adjusted pricing per ton of alfalfa at 32% dry matter for each individual field, with an anticipated four cuttings per year (three in the seeding year). The County will manage crop production, including pest control, fertilization, and field maintenance, while the successful bidder will be responsible for harvesting, providing necessary equipment, and labor. Key procurement dates include a deadline for questions on March 18, 2025, with a Zoom meeting available for bidders, and a proposal submission deadline of March 25, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Evaluation will likely focus on per-ton pricing, with the County reserving the right to select the most advantageous bid.

The solicitation does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions on bidder types, suggesting the opportunity is open to all qualified agricultural businesses or farmers capable of meeting the contract requirements. Bidders must provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including worker's compensation, commercial general liability, and automobile liability insurance. Payment terms require the successful bidder to pay within 30 days of invoice after each cutting, with all alfalfa to be weighed at the County Grain Center scales. The County explicitly states it makes no warranties about the alfalfa's quality or suitability for livestock feed and maintains total control over crop management methods. While specific budget ranges are not disclosed, the contract covers multiple fields and multiple years, indicating potential substantial revenue for the successful bidder. The alfalfa will be grown using partially treated wastewater for irrigation, which may require specialized agricultural expertise to manage effectively.