USDA Announces $1.8 Billion in Conservation Payments

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced October 8 that it is issuing approximately $1.8 billion in 2026 Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) payments to agricultural producers and private landowners participating in conservation programs.

The payments include funding for Grassland CRP, which provides rental payments and cost-share assistance to ranchers who maintain rangeland and pastureland for grazing.

Grassland CRP Enrollment Expands

The USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) accepted offers on nearly 1 million new acres through Grassland CRP in 2026. Following this year's enrollment, Grassland CRP acreage is expected to account for more than 40% of all acres enrolled in CRP.

“Under the Trump Administration we have committed to putting American farmers and ranchers first. As we continue to work to rebuild the American cattle herd, today’s announcement will help continue this effort by protecting nearly one million acres of grazing land for our ranchers,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “This change will encourage greater growth of our cattle industry, while preserving our nation’s natural resources.”

Grassland CRP is a working lands conservation program that allows participants to conserve grasslands while continuing most grazing and haying practices.

How Conservation Payments Work

The $1.8 billion in annual rental payments are being distributed through CRP and Grassland CRP. Eligible farmers, ranchers, and private landowners receive payments for establishing long-term, resource-conserving vegetative covers.

The payments also provide participants with a source of income that can help stabilize farm finances. CRP is intended to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and increase wildlife habitat.

“These conservation payments play a key role in helping landowners preserve and protect natural resources, while also promoting working lands conservation,” said Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce. “Enrollment in our conservation programs has been a highly competitive process. These payments support landowners with an interest in voluntary land stewardship, helping them drive conservation efforts on their land to keep their operations moving forward while protecting our nation’s natural resources and supporting rural communities across the country.”

For fiscal year 2027, a total of 26.8 million acres will be enrolled in CRP after FSA accepts offers on 2.2 million acres through the 2026 Grassland, General, and Continuous CRP signups.

Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Missouri rank among the top five states for CRP payments in 2026.

Find Conservation Program Information

Farmers and landowners can learn more about CRP and other conservation programs at fsa.usda.gov/crp or contact their local FSA county office.