The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today it is issuing approximately $1.8 billion in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) payments to agricultural producers and landowners for their participation in key conservation programs for 2026. These payments include Grassland CRP payments that play an important role in the Trump Administration’s Ranchers First Initiative announced by USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins that includes sweeping actions focused on rebuilding the Great American Cattle Herd and putting America’s ranchers back at the center of our nation’s food supply.
This year, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) accepted offers on nearly 1 million new acres of Grassland CRP, providing ranchers with rental payments and cost share assistance to maintain rangeland and pastureland as grazing areas. After 2026 enrollment, Grassland CRP acreage is anticipated to account for more than 40% of all CRP enrolled acres.
“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.”
“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.
Source : usda.gov