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County awards leases on about 1,100 acres of agricultural land after competitive bids
Summary
The commission approved staff recommendations to award multiple grazing and tillable land leases covering about 1,100 acres for three-year terms, increasing expected annual income.
The Saline County Board of Commissioners approved staff recommendations to award leases for several county-owned agricultural parcels after a competitive bidding process.
David Flattery, Livestock and Expo director, presented the bid results for roughly 1,100 acres acquired by Saline County in July 1991 from a private owner. Bids opened Aug. 18 and staff recommended award of the highest offers received for four distinct lease sections, each to run for three years with potential extensions by mutual agreement.
Recommended awards and annual amounts in staff materials were: - Section 22-15-2 (south half), approximately 415 acres (tillable): Gary Olson, $93.75 per acre, totaling $38,909.00 per year (staff packet figure rounded). - Section 22-15-2, approximately 251 acres tillable plus 15 acres hay meadow (266 acres): Gary Olson, $94.69 per acre, totaling $25,187.54 per year. - Section 1-16-3 (south half of NE corner), 80 acres: Brandon Klintzeman, $112.26 per acre, totaling $8,980.80 per year. - Section 23-16-2 (west half), 310 acres grass: Richard Leclair, $69.50 per acre, totaling $21,545.00 per year.
Flattery said accepting the recommended bids would increase total yearly income by $25,629.06 compared with the outgoing leases. The existing leases expire Feb. 28, 2026, and new leases will begin March 1, 2026. The farm account proceeds support county events and scholarships including the Tri-Rivers Fair and Oliver Hegg scholarships, and provide funding for the Saline County Conservation District, the packet said.
A commissioner asked about who would plant crops if incoming tenants must wait until March to take control of a parcel; staff replied outgoing lessees typically harvest and prepare the ground and new lessees plant in March or April. The board approved the recommendation (RFA 2025-126) by motion and second and the chair announced the motion carried by voice vote.
Staff will finalize lease documents and authorize the Livestock and Expo director to sign leases on the county’s behalf.
