LITTLE ROCK, ARK. (RFD-TV) — Farm Bill changes could reshape conservation programs and create new opportunities for landowners, but the current pause in new Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts is leaving some producers waiting for clarity. Meanwhile, limited farmland supply continues to support land values and rental demand.
Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty joined Market Day Report to discuss the implications for landowners, potential Farm Bill changes, and options for managing or selling agricultural property.
CRP Contracts Await Farm Bill Action
IN his interview with RFD-TV, Stephens said new CRP contracts and extensions cannot move forward until a new Farm Bill is in place. Landowners with existing contracts can continue receiving payments under their current agreements, but those nearing expiration may face uncertainty.
He said proposed Farm Bill language would allow up to 27 million acres in CRP and potentially increase payment caps for individuals and limited liability companies from $50,000 to $125,000.
For landowners currently limited by the existing payment cap, that change could create an opportunity for additional income. However, Stephens emphasized that the proposed changes depend on passage of a new Farm Bill.
Conservation Easements Offer Other Options
Stephens said landowners may have conservation options beyond CRP, depending on their property’s eligibility.
He pointed to Agricultural Land Easements and Wetland Reserve Easements, programs administered through the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Agricultural land easements can help keep working farmland in production, while wetland easements may provide opportunities for qualifying marginal land.
Stephens said landowners interested in these programs should review their options and eligibility requirements with the appropriate conservation professionals.
Other possibilities include leasing land for crop production, grazing, hay production or recreational use. He said rental markets have remained relatively strong alongside farmland values.
Limited Supply Supports Farmland Values
Despite continued financial pressure across agriculture, Stephens said farmland prices have remained relatively strong in 2026.
He attributed much of that stability to limited property availability. While buyer demand may not be as strong as it was a few years ago, available land supply remains low enough to support competition.
Stephens described a recent sale in his market that brought more than he expected because two buyers competed for the property.
“You may not have ten buyers, but you may still have five buyers,” Stephens said.
He said that competition can help maintain prices even as conditions vary from one local market to another.
Landowners Have Decisions to Make
With potential Farm Bill changes and local market conditions still evolving, Stephens said landowners should carefully evaluate their options.
Depending on the property, conservation easements, traditional leases and recreational leases may offer different ways to generate income or preserve the land’s long-term use.
He encouraged landowners to consider their property’s characteristics, conservation program eligibility, and potential rental or sale value before making a decision.
Stephens said opportunities remain available, but the right approach depends on each landowner’s circumstances and goals.
