By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is opening enrollment for the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (Grassland CRP) from May 4 through May 29, 2026. The program is administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) and is open to agricultural producers and private landowners.
Grassland CRP is a working lands conservation program that allows participants to protect grasslands without stopping normal grazing and haying activities. The initiative aims to keep land in agricultural production while promoting long-term environmental care.
The program places strong emphasis on supporting grazing operations, enhancing biodiversity, and preserving grasslands that face the highest risk of conversion. Areas with native grasses, shrubs, and forbs are prioritized under this enrollment.
“Our Grassland CRP enrollment will be competitive just like our previous enrollment periods since we are very close to the 27-million-acre statutory cap,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam.
“Grassland CRP is designed to strike a balance between the importance of continued agricultural productivity and prioritizing the stewardship of America’s ecologically significant grasslands. USDA continues to put Farmers First by providing viable economic incentives while preserving working lands,” said Bill Beam.
The Conservation Reserve Program is USDA’s primary conservation effort. It offers financial and technical assistance to producers who enroll in environmentally sensitive land under long-term contracts. These contracts help reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and provide valuable wildlife habitat.
At present, more than 26.2 million acres are enrolled in CRP nationwide, including close to 10.3 million acres in Grassland CRP. With a 27-million-acre statutory cap, only about 1.9 million acres remain available for new enrollment this fiscal year.
Enrollment for General CRP has recently closed, while Continuous CRP signup ends May 1, 2026. FSA is currently reviewing submitted offers, with approved applications to be announced later. USDA’s authority to administer CRP remains in place through September 30, 2026. To apply contact your local FSA county office before the May 29 deadline.
Photo Credit: pexels-jeffrey-czum
Categories: National