The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) established a national Jan. 15, 2026, batching deadline for the first funding round of key conservation programs. This national batching date ensures producers have a clear, consistent timeline for participating in Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). This includes NRCS’ new Regenerative Pilot Program, which provides targeted Farmer First assistance through EQIP and CSP.

“The NRCS team continues its commitment to Montana’s producers — advancing conservation, strengthening service delivery, and keeping our promise to the farmers, ranchers, and foresters who feed and fuel our nation,” said NRCS State Conservationist Gayle Barry.

NRCS programs are continuous sign-up programs, but due to the government shutdown, the agency is implementing an initial national batching period to ensure producers have access to funding and support.

Updated NRCS Program Timelines
•    All NRCS conservation programs remain continuous sign-up.
•    Farmers and ranchers have until Jan. 15, 2026, to apply for the first batching period.
•    National and State Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) will follow later in the year.
•    PL-566 and Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) opportunities remain open for sponsors based on available funding.

Programs with a January 15, 2026, batching period deadline include:
•    Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)
•    Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
•    Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
•    New NRCS Regenerative Pilot Program (EQIP & CSP)
•    Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) projects already selected for implementation with producers

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