Prairie State Wire

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

IDNR utilizes agricultural leases to support wildlife populations and recreational opportunities at sites owned or managed by the agency. The leases developed under this program aim to promote ecologically sound agricultural practices to improve soil health, minimize soil erosion, improve water quality, and reduce chemical impacts to benefit wildlife populations and their habitats.

IDNR sites with leases open for bid will be publicly announced on BidBuy, the State of Illinois' procurement site. A non-mandatory vendor conference will be conducted for each open lease with details included in the public notice.

Currently, all bidders must register with BidBuy to be eligible to enter a contract with the state. When registering, prospective bidders should use NIGP codes 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).

Once registered in BidBuy, prospective bidders will be notified by email when any agricultural lease bid openings are posted. Prospective bidders will need to download and print the necessary forms from the BidBuy website prior to the vendor conference.

In accordance 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 any other activity.

For more information and a filterable list of IDNR agricultural lease opportunities or contact information listed for each lease in BidBuy.