Offer to Lease Agricultural Land

Dane County, Wisconsin, through its Land & Water Department, is issuing Request for Bid #2025-RFB-049 to lease two agricultural parcels within its park system lands. The procurement seeks to award a 4-year agricultural land lease for two specific properties: the Blooming Grove Drumlins Natural Resource Area (27 acres located at 7426 Cottage Grove Road) and the Joyce Baer & George Socha Conservancy Area (41.2 acres located at 5784 Cherry Lane). Potential lessees must submit a comprehensive proposal that includes a per-acre annual lease rate and demonstrates compliance with specific agricultural and conservation requirements. These requirements include submitting a Nutrient Management Plan, following no-till standards, maintaining designated buffer zones, and avoiding neonicotinoid pesticides. The bid was released on September 5, 2025, with vendor questions due by September 19, 2025, and proposals due by October 3, 2025, at 2:00 pm. Evaluation criteria will include cost, past performance, and service capability, with the county reserving the right to accept or reject any bid deemed in its best interest.

The solicitation does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types. Bidders must maintain comprehensive general liability insurance of at least $500,000 and provide proof of coverage. Lease payments will be structured in two equal installments to Dane County Parks, with half due on March 1 and June 1 of each year. The lease includes provisions for termination at the end of any crop year, providing flexibility for both parties. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the bid requires respondents to propose a per-acre annual lease rate for each land parcel. The total annual lease amount will be calculated by multiplying the proposed per-acre rate by the total acreage of each respective parcel. The contract will commence on January 1, 2026, and offers potential lessees the opportunity to cultivate agricultural land within Dane County's conservation areas while adhering to specific environmental management guidelines.