Commission to put 78-acre farm parcel up for lease bidding after public inquiry

Saline County commissioners directed staff May 27 to include a roughly 78‑acre county farm parcel in the upcoming farm-lease bidding process after discussing a recent public request to use the land for research and regenerative agriculture.

County staff reported the farm fund brought in just under $70,000 in revenue the prior year and spent about $64,083, leaving a small positive balance. Of the county’s farm revenue, roughly $7,800 came from the parcel requested for alternative use. Staff noted potential offsets (two scholarships dropping would save about $2,000 and a negotiated donation of a skid steer, about $3,850 in rentals last year, is in discussion) that could mitigate a revenue loss if the parcel were removed from the lease roll.

Commissioners raised questions about term length, water availability and whether offering the parcel without charge would unduly advantage one operator over others. Several commissioners said they would prefer an open bidding process rather than granting the parcel for free. Staff said leasing is currently about $100 per acre and confirmed the parcel is currently dryland; well/drilling and irrigation would be lease terms to negotiate.

The commission directed staff to proceed with the standard lease-bid process for the parcel. If the public requester chooses to bid, they may compete under the same terms as others; the commission did not approve any free or exclusive long-term conveyance at the May 27 meeting.