For Immediate Release – September 8, 2026
IDNR to accept bids for 2027-2031 agriculture leases
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will accept sealed bids this fall for about 40 agricultural lease contracts for crop years 2027-2031.
IDNR utilizes agricultural leases as a tool to support wildlife populations and recreational opportunities at sites owned or managed by the agency. The leases developed under this program will 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’ eProcurement system. A vendor conference will be conducted for each open lease with details included in the public notice. Bidders registered in BidBuy will receive an email notification with the times and locations for the following agricultural lease meetings:
Oct. 6
Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area in Cass County
Oct. 8
Big Bend State Fish and Wildlife Area in Whiteside County
Hanover Bluff State Natural Area in Jo Daviess County
Pere Marquette State Park in Jersey County
Rock Cut State Park in Winnebago County
Oct. 13
Pyramid State Recreation Area in Perry County
Oct. 15
Mount Vernon Game Propagation Center in Jefferson County
Double T State Fish and Wildlife Area in Fulton County
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area in Jefferson County
Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area in Fulton County
Oct. 20
Moraine Hills State Park in Lake County
Harry “Babe” Woodyard State Natural Area in Vermilion County
Iroquois County State Fish and Wildlife Area
Shabbona Lake State Park in Dekalb County
Oct. 22
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area in DeWitt County
Moraine View State Park in McLean County
Sanganois State Fish and Wildlife Area in Cass County
Sangchris Lake State Park in Christian County
Oct. 27
Chauncey Marsh State Natural Area in Crawford County
Sam Dale Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area in Wayne County
Turkey Bluff State Fish and Wildlife Area in Randolph County
All prospective bidders must register with BidBuy to be eligible to enter a contract with the state. To register, visit the following link: bidbuy.illinois.gov/bso. When asked for a NIGP code, enter 944-00 (Farming and Ranching) and 944-48 (Hay Farming). Other codes are 944-34 (Corn Farming), 944-76 (Soybean Farming), 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 on the basis of 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, visit the IDNR agriculture lease website or use the contact information listed for each lease in BidBuy.
About IDNR
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources was established in 1925 as the Illinois Department of Conservation, bringing under one umbrella oversight of fish and game, forestry, public works, and lakes. Today, IDNR’s work encompasses management of about 400 sites across Illinois, including state parks and historic sites; wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and natural heritage; Lake Michigan water allocation and coastal management; conservation police; mines and minerals; oil and gas; issuance of licenses, permits, and numerous grants; the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta; and the Illinois State Museum. Visit https://dnr.illinois.gov and follow us on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
