The Agriculture Department announced approximately $1.8 billion in Conservation Reserve Program payments to farmers and landowners participating in federal conservation programs during 2026. USDA's Farm Service Agency announced the payments Thursday, providing financial support to producers who maintain eligible land under conservation contracts. The Conservation Reserve Program compensates landowners for removing environmentally sensitive acreage from agricultural production and establishing approved conservation practices. Those practices can reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and provide habitat for wildlife. Grassland CRP allows producers to maintain grazing operations while protecting grassland resources through conservation agreements. The payments arrive as farmers face continuing financial pressure from production expenses, commodity price fluctuations and weather-related disruptions. The announcement also follows the Sept. 30 expiration of farm bill authority for new CRP enrollment, although previously approved contracts remain in effect. Conservation payments provide an important source of income for participating landowners while supporting long-term agricultural resource protection.
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