East Central Reporter

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has announced it will accept sealed bids this fall for approximately 30 agricultural lease contracts for crop years 2025-2029.

IDNR employs agricultural leases to support wildlife populations and recreational opportunities at sites it owns or manages. These leases aim to promote ecologically sound agricultural practices that improve soil health, minimize soil erosion, enhance water quality, and reduce chemical impacts to benefit wildlife populations and their habitats.

The IDNR sites with leases open for bid will be publicly listed on BidBuy, the State of Illinois’ procurement site. Each open lease will include details about a non-mandatory vendor conference in the public notice.

Bidders must register with BidBuy to be eligible for state contracts. Registration requires entering NIGP codes such as 944-00 (Farming and Ranching), 944-48 (Hay Farming), 944-34 (Corn Farming), 944-76 (Soybean Farming), and 944-38 (Crop Farming NEC and Grain Farming NEC).

Registered bidders will receive email notifications when any agricultural lease bid openings are posted. They must download and print necessary forms from the BidBuy website before attending the vendor conference.

In compliance with state and federal law, the State of Illinois does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation or any other protected category in employment, contracts, or other activities.

For more information and a filterable list of IDNR agricultural lease opportunities or contact information for each lease in BidBuy, visit online resources provided by IDNR.

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