USDA Sets Conservation Deadline

Producers across California are being reminded of an important upcoming deadline from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. NRCS has established a national batching deadline of January 15, 2026, for the first funding round of several major conservation programs, giving farmers and ranchers a clear, consistent timeline to apply. The deadline covers the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Stewardship Program, Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, and Agricultural Management Assistance, along with NRCS’s new Regenerative Pilot Program that delivers targeted, Farmer First support through EQIP and CSP.

NRCS Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt says the agency remains committed to empowering producers, protecting natural resources, and strengthening service delivery for those who feed and fuel the nation. Although NRCS conservation programs typically operate under continuous sign-up, a recent government shutdown has led the agency to introduce this initial national batching period. The move is designed to ensure California producers have reliable access to funding and technical assistance as they plan conservation efforts for the year ahead.

For more information, please visit nrcs.usda.gov or contact your local USDA Service Center.