WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — USDA is accepting 2.2 million acres into the Conservation Reserve Program for 2026, giving producers and landowners another round of conservation-based income support.
The Farm Service Agency says producers submitted offers on nearly 2.5 million acres through General, Grassland, and Continuous Conservation Reserve Program signups. However, the program is capped at 27 million acres for fiscal year 2026, leaving 2.2 million acres available.
The signup was competitive. Nearly 1.5 million acres are set to expire Sept. 30, and producers offered just over 982,000 acres for re-enrollment. They also offered 1.5 million acres of new land.
Nebraska, Colorado, and South Dakota had the most accepted acres across 2026 enrollment opportunities. Participants receive annual rental payments and cost-share help to establish long-term vegetative cover.
The program helps reduce erosion, improve water quality, support wildlife habitat, and stabilize farm income. Grassland CRP also allows most grazing and haying practices to continue.
Farm-Level Takeaway: CRP remains a competitive option for producers balancing conservation goals, land use, and farm income.
