USDA Accepts 186,247 Acres in Iowa Through 2026 Conservation Reserve Program Enrollment to Benefit Natural Resources, Ag Operations

(Des Moines, Iowa, July 8, 2026) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting more than 186,247 acres in Iowa into the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for 2026. Through CRP, USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers agricultural producers and landowners incentive payments for their conservation efforts while benefiting their agricultural operations and protecting the nation's natural resources.

"The Conservation Reserve Program continues to demonstrate the strength of voluntary, producer-led conservation across the country," said Starlyn Perdue, FSA State Executive Director in Iowa. "The success of the 2026 enrollment period reflects USDA's Farmers First commitment and the dedication of America's farmers and ranchers to protecting our natural resources."

Producers and landowners submitted offers on nearly 190,379 acres in Iowa. Accepted acres include participation through General CRP, Grassland CRP, and Continuous CRP initiatives that support soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and long-term conservation on working lands.

Of the nearly 272,745 acres in Iowa set to expire on Sept. 30, producers submitted re-enrollment offers for approximately 168,906 acres. Additionally, producers submitted offers to enroll 21,474 acres of new land in Iowa. Counties with the highest accepted acreage include Taylor, Ringgold, and Kossuth.

USDA's CRP is one of the nation's largest voluntary conservation programs, helping agricultural producers protect sensitive land while strengthening rural communities and supporting long-term sustainability.

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Signed into law in 1985, CRP is one of the largest voluntary private-lands conservation programs in the United States. Originally intended to primarily control soil erosion and potentially stabilize commodity prices by taking marginal lands out of production, the program has evolved over the years, providing many conservation and economic benefits to farmers, ranchers, and landowners across the country.