Leasing State Trust Lands for Agriculture
State Trust lands have been leased for agriculture and grazing by Washington’s Office of the Commissioner of Public Lands for more that 100 years, offering opportunities to private farmers and ranchers, orchardists, grape growers, other public agencies, and more. DNR offers trust land leases at public auction to the highest bidder. We work with our lessees to see that appropriate investments are made in the lands to keep them ecologically sustainable and more productive and, in doing so, also protect public resources such as water, fish and wildlife.
Washington State continues to be a major contributor of agricultural goods to domestic and international markets, ranking 12th nationally. The 1.1 million acres of state trust lands are a sizeable participant in our economy. The Common School trust is the main beneficiary—which helps fund construction on kindergarten through 12th grade public schools statewide. This funding does not come from taxes! We work with our lessee’s to gain the highest economically feasible return for the lessees and trusts.
How to Lease State Trust Lands for agriculture and grazing
Public Auction Opportunities
There are no public auctions currently scheduled. Please check back frequently.
Sample DocumentsFor the public auctions, we will post leases that are being offered, or previous leases that have expired. Below are examples of some of the documents that would be posted for each lease.
Lease Auction Results
- Irrigated Lease No. 12-084299 went to public auction August 25, 2009. Bluewater Farms was the successful bidder.
- Irrigated Lease No. 12-084298 went to public auction August 25, 2009. Skone and Conners/Greenleaf Produce LLC was the successful bidder.
- Grazing Lease No. 10-084068 went to public auction March 10, 2009. Ray Dagnon was the successful bidder.
- Orchard Lease No. 12-082497 went to public auction March 5, 2009. Allan Orchards LLC was the successful bidder.
- Grazing Lease No. 10-083931 went to public auction February 17, 2009. Diamond M Ranch was the successful bidder.
- Grazing Lease No. 10-083814 went to public auction January 21, 2009. Sean Hogland and Tony Holan were the successful bidder.
- Irrigated Lease No. 12-D68703 went to public auction November 13, 2008. Martin Arriola was the successful bidder.
- Vineyard Lease No. 12-082662 went to Public Auction October 23, 2008. No bids were received.
- Irrigated Lease No. 12-082173 went to public auction September 16, 2008. Blue Water Farms was the successful bidder.
- Irrigated Lease No. 12-082213 went to public auction August 14, 2008 in Franklin County. Bluewater Farm was the successful bidder.