USDA announces $1.8 billion in conservation payments and wolf management review

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced approximately $1.8 billion in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) payments for 2026. These funds are intended for agricultural producers and landowners participating in conservation programs. A significant portion of this includes Grassland CRP payments, which support the administration's ‘Ranchers First Initiative’ aimed at rebuilding the American cattle herd. The Farm Service Agency has accepted offers on nearly 1 million new acres of Grassland CRP, which is expected to account for over 40% of all CRP enrolled acres following the 2026 enrollment.

In a separate move, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins has urged state partners to review wolf management policies to address livestock predation. This directive follows Executive Order 14425, ‘Supporting America’s Ranchers,’ and seeks to provide producers with better tools to protect their herds. Secretary Rollins encouraged states to engage with livestock producers and consider lethal removal of predators when authorized by law to protect livelihoods and family operations.