The department may insure and keep insured against fire or other hazards all buildings, fences, other permanent improvements, or crops situated upon any property which has reverted to and is under the control of the department, or may do the work and supply the materials necessary to keep the buildings, fences, and other improvements situated upon the property in good order and repair. The department may lease or let the property, in whole or in part, upon such terms as it deems proper. In the case of a farm, the department may cultivate the farm or harvest the crop.