WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service has opened a second national sign-up for 2026 agricultural land easement funding, giving landowners and eligible entities another chance to compete for assistance. NRCS said applications for this round are due by May 29, with up to $200 million available for agricultural land easements.
The program is part of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, or ACEP, which helps protect working farm and ranch ground from conversion to nonagricultural uses. NRCS said the goal is to preserve productive land, including grazing acreage, and protect related conservation values.
NRCS said applications are accepted continuously, but cutoff dates are used to rank proposals based on potential conservation impact. This second national deadline gives applicants another opportunity to be considered for fiscal 2026 funding.
A complete application must include the parcel sheet form, proof of ownership, a written pending offer, a map or geospatial boundary, and documented access to the easement.
NRCS also encouraged landowners to complete Farm Service Agency eligibility paperwork as soon as possible. Applications received after May 29 will be held for later rounds if funding remains available.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Landowners interested in protecting working ground through an easement now have another funding window open until the end of May.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Software developers at John Deere Digital are addressing challenges with their new Operations Center, which helps farmers make decisions on the fly.
October 06, 2025 11:51 AM
·
Farm debt is climbing to record levels at ag banks, reflecting pressure on crop producers’ finances even as livestock and land values lend stability to the sector.
October 03, 2025 03:53 PM
·
National FFA Organization Chief Program Officer Christine White previews the programs and activities planned for this year’s FFA Convention.
October 03, 2025 02:43 PM
·
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated this week that the government will intervene to help, following China’s withdrawal from the U.S. soybean market. One trader says the industry will remain in a holding pattern until Tuesday.
October 03, 2025 01:04 PM
·
University of Illinois Ag Economist Gary Schnitker says early projections indicate soybeans will be more profitable than corn in 2026.
October 03, 2025 11:53 AM
·
Evan Keppy, a member of Iowa’s North Scott FFA Chapter, shares how the National FFA Organization helped shape his leadership skills.
October 03, 2025 11:13 AM
·
