How to bid on the Jim Edgar Panther Creek S.F.W.A. Farm Lease with DNR

What the agency is buying

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking bids to lease approximately 506.60 acres of state-owned land for agricultural farming. This lease is for crop year 2028 at the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area in Cass County, Illinois.

The estimated annual payment to the state for this lease is $11,145.20. The estimated annual value to the vendor is $230,526.10. This is a revenue-generating farm lease opportunity.

Key dates and deadlines

This Invitation for Bid (IFB) was published on September 17, 2026. All responses must be submitted by November 04, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. Bids received after this deadline will not be considered.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for farming businesses or individuals experienced in agricultural operations, particularly those interested in leasing land for crop production. The lease involves specific acreage across multiple sections in Cass County, Illinois. Vendors should have the capacity to manage farming operations on approximately 506.60 acres.

How to respond

To access the full details and documents for this solicitation (27-422DNR-REALT-B-54069), you can view the original source on the State of Illinois procurement portal, BidBuy. The documents are publicly available without needing to sign in.

To submit your bid electronically, you will need to register a free vendor account on the BidBuy portal. If you prefer not to submit electronically, follow the specific submission instructions provided within the bid documents. Ensure your response is submitted before the stated deadline.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review all sections of the Invitation for Bid (IFB), paying close attention to the detailed locations and acreage information provided. Understand the specific requirements for agricultural farming on state-owned property.

Ensure your bid clearly outlines your proposed annual payment to the state, demonstrating a competitive offer. Double-check all calculations, especially regarding the per-acre value and total annual payment. Submit your response well in advance of the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.