The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced approximately $1.8 billion in Conservation Reserve Program payments for 2026, providing financial support to agricultural producers and private landowners across the country.
The payments are being distributed through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (Grassland CRP). The programs provide annual rental payments to eligible farmers and ranchers who maintain long-term conservation practices on their land.
Iowa is among the top five states receiving CRP payments in 2026, joining Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota and Missouri.
According to USDA, the payments help provide a reliable source of income for participating agricultural producers while supporting conservation efforts. CRP works to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and expand wildlife habitat.
Grassland CRP is designed to protect working grasslands while allowing landowners to continue most grazing and haying activities.
This year, USDA’s Farm Service Agency accepted offers covering nearly one million additional acres through Grassland CRP. The program provides rental payments and cost-share assistance to ranchers who maintain rangeland and pastureland for grazing.
Following the 2026 enrollment period, Grassland CRP acreage is expected to account for more than 40% of all acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program.
USDA estimates that approximately 26.8 million acres will be enrolled in CRP during fiscal year 2027, following the acceptance of offers on 2.2 million acres through Grassland, General and Continuous CRP signups.
The department says the payments are also part of its broader efforts to support American agriculture and strengthen the nation’s cattle industry through the Trump Administration’s Ranchers First Initiative, announced by Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Farm Service Agency (FSA).
