RFB11182026 Lease of Agriculture Land Ballard Co Kentucky

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, through the Finance and Administration Cabinet's Division of Real Properties, is soliciting bids under RFB11182026 to lease two state-owned agricultural tracts totaling 1,268.6 acres in the Boatwright Wildlife Management Area near La Center, Ballard County, with bids due November 18, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET. No set-aside or preference program is indicated. Online bidding is prohibited, and bids must be submitted on the provided forms to the Division's Frankfort office, with a public bid opening held the same day at 3:00 p.m. ET by conference call.

Tract 1 (Swan Unit) covers 985.6 acres, of which 825.6 are harvestable and 160 are designated for food plots and wildlife across 20 fields two miles west of Barlow. Tract 2 (Stallings, Perkins, Blenderman, and Stevens Units) covers 283 acres, of which 150 are harvestable and 15 are food plots and wildlife across six fields. The tenant must farm primarily annual grain, chiefly soybeans and corn or alternative crops approved by the supervising biologist. The tenant must also maintain commercial general liability insurance with a $1,000,000 combined single limit naming the Commonwealth as an additional insured, plus fire and extended coverage.

Bidders submit a cash per-acre bid for each tract separately, with a minimum of $100 per acre and a $100 good-faith deposit per bid payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. The successful bidder must also provide in-kind goods and services, which are deducted from the final payment. For Tract 1, these total up to $60,000 in white rock for road maintenance, $15,000 in green browse and food plot seed, $20,000 in chemicals and fertilizer with application services, and $15,000 in heavy equipment services, plus $20,000 the supervising biologist may reallocate. For Tract 2, the corresponding amounts are $5,000, $3,000, $2,500, and $2,500, plus $6,500 for reallocation. Unused amounts become payable with annual rent on December 1.

Payment requires a 10 percent spring deposit and a security bond covering the estimated 90 percent balance. Rent is calculated on acreage planted, verified by Department staff using GPS, and no rent is due on fallow or designated food plot acreage. The adjusted final payment is due December 1 of each contract year, with a 3 percent late charge if unpaid by that date. The initial term is one year, with up to four successive yearly renewals for a five-year total, exercised between February 1 and 15. The Commonwealth may withdraw fields or portions thereof for wildlife habitat management during the contract period and reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Commodity code 971 (Real Property Rental or Lease) applies. Questions go to Kelly Hawkins at 502-229-4366.