RFB-785-2700000202-1 | RFB11242026 Lease of Agriculture Land Union Co Kentucky

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is soliciting bids for the lease of approximately 350.5 acres of agricultural land located at the Higginson-Henry Wildlife Management Area in Union County, Kentucky. The lease encompasses five tracts and 27 fields, with the primary objective of generating income to offset operational expenses while providing food and cover for wildlife. The contract is for an initial one-year term with the possibility of four successive yearly renewals, totaling a potential five-year duration. The typical crop year runs from March 15th to October 25th. Bidders must submit a proposal indicating the annual per acre rental cost they are willing to pay and provide a five-year crop rotation plan consisting of soybeans, yellow corn, or alternative crops, maintaining a balance of approximately 50% corn and 50% soybeans. Additionally, the successful lessee is required to provide up to 5,000 dollars annually in white rock or infrastructure improvements for roads. Payments are structured as a 10% spring deposit, with the remaining balance due by December 1st of each year; a 3% late fee applies to overdue balances. KDFWR staff will verify planted acreage using GPS equipment and may withdraw specific fields for habitat management. Proposals must be submitted using the official Form of Proposal and include a notarized affidavit regarding campaign finance laws and non-collusion. The deadline for submission is November 24, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET, and online bidding is prohibited. The lessee is required to indemnify the Commonwealth of Kentucky and is responsible for their own crop insurance, as rent remains due regardless of natural crop failures.