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
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joins us to provide an updated analysis of projected ARC and PLC payments and potential delays due to the ongoing government shutdown.
October 03, 2025 11:02 AM
·
Dr. Beetham outlined the background of the EU’s decision to modernize seed regulations and where the process stands today, and its impact on global agriculture and food security.
October 02, 2025 01:24 PM
·
Colin Reilly with Connected Nation joined RFD-TV News to explain how the tool works and why it’s an important step in bridging the digital divide.
October 02, 2025 12:32 PM
·
Jeremy Kelly explains how Darling Ingredients’ mission aligns with FFA’s values and why investing in future ag leaders is so important.
October 02, 2025 12:20 PM
·
Molly Ball joins us to talk about the upcoming FFA Convention & Expo and dish about the latest episode of “Dirt Diaries: The FarmHER + RanchHER Podcast.”
October 02, 2025 11:34 AM
·
Farmers are in the midst of harvest as the government descends into a shutdown and the Farm Bill expires. Key federal departments, crop reporting, and aid programs important to the agricultural sector are now on hold.
October 02, 2025 10:54 AM
·
