San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge located in Stanislaus County, California, has a cooperative agriculture opportunity on approximately 80 acres to farm commodity crops such as wheat, oats, barley, corn, and/or alfalfa.
Applicants will be evaluated based on several factors including: proximity, emergency response time to the site, demonstrated experience with local agricultural practices including best management practices for use of fertilizers and pesticides, access to appropriate farming equipment, experience with irrigation and water rights, knowledge of fish and wildlife habitat management and ecological restoration techniques, and understanding of local, state, and federal environmental laws.
The successful applicant will be required to work closely with the Refuge Managers and cultivate the land in a manner that provides some winter foraging and loafing habitat for migratory waterbirds including geese and cranes, which could include leaving as much as 10% of the crop unharvested.The successful applicant will also contribute to ongoing maintenance and repair needs at the Refuge and may be involved in future ecological restoration of the site.
To be considered, applicants must submit a detailed proposal that includes a per acre bid rate and describes their qualifications and addresses the factors identified above.Applications must be received by 12 pm (noon) on December 14th, 2025. Applications may be submitted by email to chris_harper@fws.gov or mailed to P.O. Box 2176 Los Banos, CA 93635.
Successful applicants will be selected through an open and competitive process. Applications will be scored and ranked using objective criteria. All applicants will be notified by 4 pm January 14, 2026.
For more information contact Chris Harper, Project Leader – San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex at chris_harper@fws.gov or 209-587-5541