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
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