By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a national batching deadline of January 15, 2026, for the first funding round of several major conservation programs administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The decision provides a clear and consistent timeline for farmers and ranchers seeking conservation assistance.
The batching deadline applies to key NRCS programs, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Stewardship Program, Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, and Agricultural Management Assistance Program.
The timeline also includes the new NRCS Regenerative Pilot Program, which delivers targeted Farmer First assistance through EQIP and CSP.
“The NRCS team continues its commitment to America’s producers — advancing conservation, strengthening service delivery, and keeping our promise to the men and women who feed and fuel our nation,” said NRCS Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt. “Our mission is clear: empower farmers, protect our natural resources, and deliver on President Trump’s ‘Farmers First’ vision.”
NRCS conservation programs operate under a continuous sign up structure. However, due to disruptions caused by a recent government shutdown, NRCS is introducing a national batching period to ensure producers can access funding in an organized and timely manner. This approach helps prioritize applications and ensures fair access to available resources.
Under the updated timeline, farmers and ranchers must submit applications by January 15, 2026, to be considered in the first funding batch. While this is the initial national deadline, NRCS emphasized that conservation programs will remain open for sign ups throughout the year.
Some programs will follow different timelines. National and State Conservation Innovation Grants are expected to open later in the year. Emergency programs such as PL 566 Watershed Operations and Emergency Watershed Protection remain available for eligible sponsors based on available funding.
Programs included in the January batching period are ACEP, EQIP, CSP, AMA, and the Regenerative Pilot Program. These initiatives support conservation planning, soil health improvement, water quality protection, and long term sustainability on agricultural lands.
Farmers and landowners are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center for guidance and application support. Additional program details and resources are available through the NRCS website. The new batching deadline is designed to strengthen conservation delivery and provide certainty for producers planning conservation investments.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National