By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) started its Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (Grassland CRP) enrollment on July 14, 2025, and will run until August 8, 2025. This program offers a unique chance for agricultural producers and private landowners to protect their grasslands while still using the land for grazing and haying.
Managed by the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), Grassland CRP is a voluntary program aimed at conserving grasslands and keeping them productive. Unlike some programs that require land to be taken out of use, Grassland CRP lets farmers and ranchers continue working on their land while promoting conservation.
This program supports grazing operations, helps preserve plant and animal biodiversity, and safeguards lands at risk of being converted for other purposes. The USDA especially encourages enrollment of grasslands and shrublands facing threats of conversion to non-agricultural uses.
The initiative highlights the importance of balancing farming with nature conservation. It helps landowners maintain healthy soils and ecosystems while supporting local agriculture. Farmers benefit by being able to continue grazing, which remains an important part of their operations.
Grassland CRP gives producers a way to protect natural resources while keeping their land profitable. The USDA also emphasizes the role of this program in preserving wildlife habitats and maintaining the beauty of rural landscapes.
Interested producers and landowners should contact their local USDA Service Center before August 8, 2025, to get details and apply for this opportunity. Grassland CRP continues to be a key part of USDA’s efforts to support both agriculture and environmental care.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-pamwalker68
Categories: National