The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) celebrates a historic milestone as this year's Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) signup receives a record-setting 4.6 million acres in offers from agricultural producers and private landowners. These working lands initiative, which allows grazing and haying while safeguarding grasslands, is a crucial part of the Biden-Harris administration's climate change and natural resource conservation efforts.
Zach Ducheneaux, the administrator of USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA), highlights the popularity and success of voluntary, producer-led conservation programs. Grassland CRP exemplifies the harmonious coexistence of conservation priorities and agricultural productivity, reinforcing the vital role farmers and ranchers play in securing both food production and natural resources for the future.
Due to the program reaching its acreage cap, USDA had to accept fewer acres and a lower percentage of offers compared to the previous year. Balancing future signups and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Partnership (CREP) agreements, the agency aims to preserve the program's effectiveness.
Focusing on key geographies, the program targets conservation within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the Dust Bowl area. With over 900,000 acres enrolled this year, producers demonstrate their recognition of the conservation value of Grassland CRP, contributing to broader USDA conservation efforts and supporting iconic big game migrations.
Enrolled grasslands play a vital role in sequestering carbon and increasing resilience to drought and wildfire, while producers can continue essential grazing practices. Top states leading this year's Grassland CRP signup include Colorado, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
In addition to Grassland CRP, FSA accepts over 1 million acres through the General signup and continues to receive submissions for the Continuous CRP signup. These achievements underscore the unwavering commitment of the agricultural community and USDA towards sustainable conservation and combatting climate change.
Photo Credit: pexels-jeffrey-czum
Categories: Nebraska, Sustainable Agriculture