RFB-785-2700000195-1 | RFB11192026 Lease of Agriculture Land Ballard Co Kentucky

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is soliciting bids for the lease of Tract 1 (Ballard) within the Ballard Wildlife Management Area in Ballard County, Kentucky. The lease encompasses approximately 1,165.4 total acres, with 1,101 harvestable acres divided into 33 fields. The primary objective is the production of annual grains, such as corn, soybeans, and milo, to provide a consistent food supply for wildlife and generate operational income. The award will be based 100% on the bid amount, though the agency may negotiate final compensation rates and conduct qualification discussions with selected offerors. The lease requires the use of no-till or minimal-till methods, with strict adherence to a seasonal calendar: spring preparation cannot begin before March 15, and all crops must be harvested by November 1. Tenants are responsible for soil testing in the second and fourth years of the contract, applying lime and fertilizer according to specific percentage-based recommendations, and providing detailed annual reports on acreage, seed types, and harvest totals. Additionally, the tenant must provide various annual allotments of goods and services, including white rocks, food plot supplies, chemicals, and heavy equipment services, the costs of which are deducted from the final annual rent payment due on December 1. Bids must be submitted by November 19, 2026, and include a 100 dollar deposit, a signed Form of Proposal, and affidavits of non-collusion. The contract includes a 30-day notice period for cancellation without cause and requires the lessee to maintain insurance for crop losses and comply with Kentucky workers compensation and safety laws. Upon termination, the premises must be returned in their original condition, subject to ordinary wear and tear.