USDA issues $1.8B in 2026 CRP payments as grassland enrollment grows

The USDA announced about $1.8 billion in 2026 Conservation Reserve Program payments for farmers and landowners enrolled in CRP and Grassland CRP. The annual rental payments support participants who establish long-term conserving vegetation, while Grassland CRP lets producers continue most grazing and haying. The Farm Service Agency took offers on nearly 1 million additional Grassland CRP acres, and total CRP enrollment is expected to reach 26.8 million acres for fiscal 2027 after 2.2 million acres are accepted.

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The USDA is distributing roughly $1.8 billion in 2026 rental payments to agricultural producers and landowners enrolled in CRP and Grassland CRP. Participants qualify by establishing lasting vegetation that protects soil and water resources. Grassland CRP, which keeps land in agricultural use, allows ranchers to keep grazing and haying on most of the land while receiving rental payments and cost-share assistance.

Offers this year covered nearly 1 million additional Grassland CRP acres. Once 2026 enrollment finishes, Grassland CRP is expected to exceed 40% of all CRP acres. Total CRP enrollment for fiscal 2027 is projected at 26.8 million acres after 2.2 million acres are accepted. Iowa, Illinois