Bethlehem Opens Hay Bids But Omits Cost, Acreage Data | The Locally Times
Farmers have until March 13 to apply for hay licenses in Glenmont and Selkirk, but a town notice omits the available acreage, associated costs, and selection criteria.
## Town Seeks Farmers for 2026 Season The Town of Bethlehem is accepting applications for its 2026 farmland program, which includes seasonal hay harvesting licenses and agricultural use leases on town-owned land in Glenmont and Selkirk. A public notice on the town's website states that all applications must be received by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026. The announcement describes the program as offering a range of agricultural opportunities but does not provide key details for potential applicants. ## Acreage, Cost, and Terms Not Specified The public notice does not specify the number of available licenses or the total acreage being offered, preventing applicants from evaluating the scale of the opportunities. Financial terms are also absent from the announcement; the documents fail to outline costs, fees, or potential revenue-sharing structures. Additionally, the duration of the agreements is undefined, as the notice does not clarify the length of a “seasonal” license, the term for a lease, or any options for renewal. ## Selection Criteria and Program History Omitted The town has not released the criteria it will use to evaluate applications. The public record contains no information on the selection process, whether a scoring system will be used, or what qualifications—such as farming experience, residency, or land use proposals—will be prioritized. Historical context for the program is also missing from the announcement. The town has not provided data on demand for these licenses in previous years, the outcomes of past agreements, or any changes made to the program for the 2026 season.