USDA to Open Continuous and General Conservation Reserve Program Enrollment for 2026

 

Washington, D.C., February 10, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the enrollment periods for agricultural producers and landowners to submit offers for the Continuous and General Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting offers for Continuous CRP starting Feb. 12, 2026, through March 20, 2026. Enrollment for General CRP will run from March 9, 2026, through April 17, 2026. FSA will announce dates for Grassland CRP signup in the near future. 

CRP is USDA’s flagship conservation program, providing financial and technical support to agricultural producers and landowners who place unproductive or marginal cropland under contract for 10-15 years and who agree to voluntarily convert the land to beneficial vegetative cover to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and support wildlife habitat. The Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, extends FSA’s authority to administer CRP through Sept. 30, 2026.   

“We’re still very close to the 27-million-acre statutory cap with 1.9 million acres available for all CRP enrollments this fiscal year so enrollment is likely to be competitive,” USDA’s Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce said. “This isn’t about the total number of acres enrolled, it’s about producers and landowners offering and USDA accepting the acres that can best deliver real, lasting benefits to soil, water and wildlife.” 

Continuous CRP (Signup 65)   

FSA will batch Continuous CRP offers submitted by interested agricultural producers and landowners. Offers to re-enroll expiring CRP continuous acreage will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. New acreage offered in continuous CRP practices will be considered for acceptance on a first-come, first-serve basis if they support USDA conservation priorities including but not limited to practices that address water quality, such as filter strips and grass waterways, and practices that restore native ecosystems or target specific resource concerns. 

The first Continuous CRP batching period ends on March 20, 2026. Offers submitted after this date will be considered for acceptance in subsequent batching periods if acreage remains available. 

Continuous CRP participants voluntarily offer environmentally sensitive lands, typically smaller parcels than offered through General CRP including wetlands, riparian buffers, and varying wildlife habitats. In return, they receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving vegetative cover.    

Continuous CRP enrollment options include:    

• Clean Lakes, Estuaries and Rivers (CLEAR) Initiative: Prioritizes water quality practices on the land that, if enrolled, will help reduce sediment loadings, nutrient loadings, and harmful algal blooms. The vegetative covers also contribute to increased wildlife populations.    
• CLEAR30 (a component of the CLEAR Initiative): Offers additional incentives for water quality practice adoption and can be accessed in 30-year contracts.   
• Highly Erodible Land Initiative (HELI): Producers and landowners can enroll in CRP to establish long-term cover on highly erodible cropland that has a weighted erodibility index greater than or equal to 20.
• Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP): Addresses high priority conservation objectives of states and Tribal governments on agricultural lands in specific geographic areas.   
• State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement Initiative (SAFE): Restores vital habitat in order to meet high-priority state wildlife conservation goals. 

General CRP (Signup 66)   

General CRP offers are submitted through a competitive bid process. After the enrollment period closes, General CRP offers are ranked and scored by FSA, using nationally established environmental benefits criteria. USDA will announce accepted offers once ranking and scoring for all offers is completed. In addition to annual rental payments, approved General CRP participants may also be eligible for cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving vegetative cover. 

More Information     

Producers and landowners interested in participating in CRP should contact their local FSA county office. 

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.

USDA Announces Completion of Sterile Fly Dispersal Facility in Texas

 

Facility will increase range of sterile fly release and bolster preparedness for New World Screwworm

(Edinburg, TX, February 9, 2026) – Today at Moore Air Base, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Governor of Texas Greg Abbott celebrated a significant achievement in the fight against New World Screwworm (NWS) with the completion of a U.S.-based sterile fly dispersal facility in Edinburg, Texas. This facility expands USDA’s ability to disperse sterile flies along the border and into the United States, if necessary. "The Trump Administration continues to bring the full force of the federal government to fight New World Screwworm,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “This sterile fly dispersal facility was a high priority project, and our team delivered it in record time. This new facility is a monumental achievement for our domestic preparedness efforts, but we are also diligently working to stop the spread of screwworm in Mexico, conduct extensive trapping and surveillance along the border, increase U.S. response capacity, and encourage innovative solutions. We will never stop fighting to protect American agriculture. USDA, through a whole-of-government approach, will continue to hold Mexico accountable to mitigating the spread of this dangerous pest." “America is going to take care of ourselves, including dealing with the approach of screwworm as it gets closer to our border,” said Governor Abbott. “We put together the resources necessary for Texas to provide a Texas-size response to this. We thank Secretary Rollins and President Trump for stepping forward to provide the stop gap effort essential to protecting our ranchers and our wildlife.” Trump Administration NWS Response In June 2025, Secretary Rollins announced a sweeping five-pronged plan(PDF, 1005 KB) to enhance USDA’s already robust ability to detect, control, and eliminate NWS. As part of that announcement, she also shared plans to build this sterile NWS fly dispersal facility in South Texas. The completion of the facility further expands the network of dispersal facilities through Central America and Mexico and solidifies the increased preparedness offered by having a U.S.-based facility. On January 30, USDA announced a shift in its 100 million per week sterile fly dispersal efforts to reinforce coverage along the U.S.-Mexico border. While the sterile flies for this effort will initially be dispersed from the Tampico, Mexico facility, USDA is prepared to quickly and strategically shift operations to the new Texas facility should there be a change in the location or new concentration of NWS cases in northern Mexico. About Sterile Fly Sterile insect technique, when paired with surveillance, animal movement restrictions, and education and outreach, is a proven and effective tool for controlling and eradicating NWS. Female NWS flies only mate once in their lives, so if they mate with a sterile male, they lay unfertilized eggs that don’t hatch. Releasing sterile flies just outside of affected areas helps ensure flies traveling to new areas will only encounter sterile mates and will not be able to reproduce. Sterile insects are dispersed through aerial dispersal or ground release. Aerial operations are preferred because they allow for dispersal at a steady rate through a large area and also because sterile insects may be dispersed in areas that are unreachable from the ground. Ground release is used when there is a need to quickly deploy sterile insects outside of the dispersal facility range. Mass production and targeted dispersal of sterile flies remain critical components of an effective response. USDA currently produces sterile flies for dispersal at the COPEG facility in Panama. USDA is also investing $21 million to support Mexico’s renovation of an existing fruit fly facility in Metapa—which will double NWS production capacity once complete. With ongoing support from technical experts in USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Mexico anticipates this sterile fly production to begin as soon as summer 2026. To continue to expand USDA’s domestic response capacity, the Department is building a sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas, with a targeted maximum capacity of 300 million sterile flies per week. USDA expects to break ground on that facility later this spring. With existing and planned production facilities fully operational, USDA will have up to 500 million sterile files per week in its arsenal to fight this pest all the way back to the Darién Gap. The international network of facilities will produce 100 million sterile flies per week at COPEG in Panama, 100 million at Metapa in Mexico, and 300 million at Moore Air Base. What You Can Do Even though there have been no detections of NWS inside the U.S. and the northernmost active case of NWS is still about 200 miles away from the border, USDA is asking Americans to continue to remain vigilant by checking their livestock and pets for signs of NWS. Look for draining or enlarging wounds and signs of discomfort. Also look for NWS larvae (maggots) and eggs in or around body openings, such as the nose, ears, and genitalia or the navel of newborn animals. If you suspect your animal is infested with NWS, immediately report it to your state animal health official or USDA area veterinarian in charge. NWS maggots can infest livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including people. They most often enter an animal through an open wound and feed on the animal’s living flesh. While not common in people, if you notice a suspicious lesion on your body or suspect you may have contracted NWS, seek immediate medical attention. Learn more about NWS and USDA’s efforts, visit Screwworm.gov.

Arkansas Extension to host homesteading, sustainability-focused events

 

By Rebekah Hall 

University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — In response to the growing popularity of homesteading and sustainability efforts among Arkansans, the Cooperative Extension Service will host three events this month offering research-based information on food preservation, vegetable gardening, composting and more.

HOMESTEADING HELP — The Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, will host three events related to homesteading and sustainability this month, including the Southwest Arkansas Homesteading Conference in Nashville on Feb. 21. (UADA graphic.) 

John D. Anderson, director of the Cooperative Extension Service for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said these educational trainings strengthen agriculture, communities and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices.

"One of our goals within the Division of Agriculture is to improve the overall health of Arkansans, and increasing food security is a big part of the picture," Anderson said. "Our extension agents work in every county of the state, teaching Arkansans how to grow, preserve and prepare food, manage resources, increase self-sufficiency, and ultimately become more food secure.”

Hands-on Homesteading in Fulton County

Fulton County Extension will host Hands-on Homesteading on Feb. 18. The half-day event will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Fulton County Fairgrounds at 124 Arena Lane in Salem. The cost is $10 and includes lunch. Attendees should register online by Feb. 11.

Anna Barnett, Fulton County extension agriculture agent for the Division of Agriculture, said this is the first time the county has hosted a large-scale event focused on homesteading and sustainable living.

“Homesteading and sustainability have become increasingly popular topics in our community,” Barnett said. “We’ve seen a noticeable rise in people asking for resources on gardening, food preservation, backyard livestock and self-sufficiency. I would attribute this increased interest largely to more people moving to the Natural State for its rural opportunities, who want to learn how to live more intentionally, connect with the land and make the most of what their property can offer.”

The Hands-on Homesteading event will include information sessions on herb gardening, pasture management and fencing, building a rain barrel, canning and more.

“It is important for Fulton County to share extension resources because we provide research-based, practical information that helps people make informed decisions for their homes, farms and families,” Barnett said. “These resources empower individuals with skills that can improve food security, save money, promote sustainability and strengthen communities.

“By sharing this knowledge, extension helps Arkansans become more confident, capable and resilient,” she said.

Barnett said she encourages people to attend the event and take advantage of “hands-on learning opportunities that are both practical and applicable to everyday life.”

“Participants will gain real-world skills, learn from knowledgeable instructors and have the chance to ask questions and connect with others who share similar interests,” she said. “Whether someone is just starting out or already homesteading, they will leave with useful information, new ideas and resources they can immediately put into practice at home.”

Arkansas Vegetable Growers Conference

The 2026 Arkansas Vegetable Growers Conference will take place Feb. 19-20 at the Cooperative Extension Service state office at 2301 S. University Ave. in Little Rock. The conference will include a drip irrigation demonstration and talks covering pest control, food safety, soil health and more.

The event will also feature two panels, including a question-and-answer panel with experienced Arkansas vegetable growers. The second panel will feature representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency, the Division of Agriculture, the Southern Risk Management Education Center and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in discussion about resources available to Arkansas vegetable growers.

The cost to attend is $40 before Feb. 10, after which the fee increases to $50. Register online or in person on the day of the event.

Southwest Arkansas Homesteading Conference

For the second year in a row, extension staff in Howard and Pike counties will host the Southwest Arkansas Homesteading Conference on Feb. 21. The one-day event will be held 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the University of Arkansas Cossatot Community College Nashville Campus, at 1558 US-371 in Nashville, Arkansas.

The cost to attend is $30, which includes lunch. The event will also include a Kids Camp program for youth ages 5-19, which costs an additional $25 and includes lunch and snacks. Register online by Feb. 15 for guaranteed meal choice.

Samantha Horn, Howard County extension staff chair, said Howard and Pike counties collaborate on the event because “our counties face a lot of the same problems and challenges.”

“Our clients are asking the same questions,” Horn said. “With us standing together as one force, I think it makes a stronger impact on others. We have a great program planned for everyone in the family. I encourage folks to attend, as they are sure to walk away having had a great time and with a lot of new, relevant information.”

The Southwest Arkansas Homesteading Conference will include information sessions on high tunnel and greenhouse management, water bath and pressure canning, composting, forestry and more. During the Kids Camp, youth will learn to make candles, mini barn quilts and more.

“We have seen a rise in interest in homesteading and sustainability, especially since the COVID pandemic,” Horn said. “Even our youth have expressed interest. I think people want to have the freedom to make sure they are prepared to be self-sustainable.”

Extension homesteading resources

To find all extension homesteading resources in one place, visit the Homesteading in Arkansas page on the Cooperative Extension Service website.

For more information about food canning, pickling, drying and more, visit the Arkansas Food Preservation Resources page.

The Division of Agriculture YouTube channel also features the Preserving for You series, which includes several food preservation demonstrations and recipes.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.

USDA Launches New Online Portal for Reporting Foreign-Owned Agricultural Land Transactions

 

(Washington, D.C., January 22, 2026) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is launching a new online portal to streamline reporting of transactions involving U.S. agricultural land by foreign persons, which can include businesses and governments, under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (AFIDA). The new online portal is part of a broader effort to strengthen enforcement and protect American farmland as USDA continues its implementation of the National Farm Security Action Plan (PDF, 1.2 MB). “President Trump is putting America First, and this includes increasing transparency and scrutiny of one of our most valuable national assets, American farmland. We are working to improve reporting of foreign owned land in the United States. This move to streamline the reporting portal will increase compliance and assist our efforts to effectively enforce accurate reporting of interests held by foreign adversaries in U.S. farmland,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “The online portal will allow us to obtain verifiable information about foreign interests in American agricultural land and protect the security of our farmers.” The new online portal is available at afida.landmark.usda.gov. Users can access the portal with Login.gov, a sign in service that provides secure online access to participate in certain government programs and reporting requirements. The new digital portal will gather the same information found on the current form FSA-153 and those subject to filing may still file using the current FSA-153 hard copy form if desired. However, filers should not duplicate filings by using both submission options. About the National Farm Security Action Plan One of the key tenets of USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan (PDF, 1.2 MB) is strengthening processes around disclosure of foreign persons who have an interest in U.S. farmland. This historic plan, announced in July 2025, calls for aggressive implementation of reforms to the AFIDA process including improved verification and monitoring of collected AFIDA data. In addition to the new portal, USDA published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for AFIDA in December 2025. About AFIDA The new portal is part of USDA’s efforts to streamline its process for electronic submission and retention of AFIDA disclosures, as initially required by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. Today USDA also shared its annual AFIDA report for 2024 with Congress, which is available online. The report lists foreign holdings of U.S. agricultural land as 46 million acres, as of December 31, 2024 and includes a section on land held and acquired by China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea in recent years. AFIDA became law in 1978, and its regulations were created to establish a nationwide system for the collection of information pertaining to foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land. The regulations require foreign investors who acquire, transfer or hold an interest in U.S. agricultural land to report such holdings and transactions to the Secretary of Agriculture. The data obtained from AFIDA disclosures are used in the preparation of an annual report to Congress, which is published online. The AFIDA regulations define the term “foreign person” and specifies the information that must be included in the report. AFIDA focuses on foreign persons who hold direct or indirect interest in the agricultural land, provided those foreign persons with an indirect interest have “significant interest or substantial control” in the direct interest holder.

USDA Announces New World Screwworm Grand Challenge

 

Driving Innovation to Combat NWS and Prevent its Northward Spread

(Washington, D.C., January 21, 2026) – Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the launch of the New World Screwworm (NWS) Grand Challenge. This funding opportunity marks a pivotal step in USDA’s comprehensive strategy to combat NWS and prevent its northward spread. “This is a strategic investment in America’s farmers and ranchers and is an important action to ensure the safety and future success of our food supply, which is essential to our national security,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “These are the kinds of innovations that will help us stay ahead of this pest and protect our food supply and our economy, protecting the way of life of our ranchers and go towards rebuilding our cattle herd to lower consumer prices on grocery store shelves. We know we have tried-and-true tools and methods to defeat this pest, but we must constantly look for new and better methods and innovate our way to success. Together, through science, innovation, and collaboration, we can ensure we’re utilizing the latest tools and technology to combat NWS in Mexico and Central America and keep it out of the United States.” As part of the Grand Challenge, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will make up to $100 million available to support innovative projects that enhance sterile NWS fly production, strengthen preparedness and response strategies, and safeguard U.S. agriculture, animal health, and trade. Priority Areas for Funding APHIS invites proposals that support one or more of the following objectives: Enhance sterile NWS fly production Develop novel NWS traps and lures Develop and increase understanding of NWS therapeutics/treatments (i.e. products that could treat, prevent, or control NWS) for animals Develop other tools to bolster preparedness or response to NWS The notice of funding opportunity, including application instructions, eligibility, and program requirements, is available on the NWS Grand Challenge webpage. Applicants can also find information on the ezFedGrants website or Grants.gov by searching USDA-APHIS-10025-OA000000-26-0001. Eligible applicants are invited to submit proposals that align with and support these priorities by the deadline on February 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. Entities interested in submitting a proposal should ensure they are registered with the U.S. Government System for Award Management (SAM). Learn more about the basics of the funding process and how to get ready to apply. For more information about NWS, visit screwworm.gov. Sign up here to have the latest NWS updates delivered to your inbox.

American Boer Goat Foundation Announces 2026 Educational Summit in Kansas City

 

KANSAS CITY, KS — The American Boer Goat Foundation (ABGF), in partnership with the 

American Boer Goat Association (ABGA), is proud to announce the 2026 ABGF Educational Summit, scheduled for July 24–25, 2026, in Kansas City. This premier industry event is meticulously designed to empower Boer goat producers through cutting-edge education, strategic networking, and a shared vision for the future of the American meat goat industry.

The 2026 Summit serves as a critical platform for producers to gain insights from industry experts on factors driving market change. Attendees will explore innovative production techniques aimed at increasing profitability and ensuring the long-term sustainability of their operations for future generations.

“The Boer Goat Summit is a purpose-driven event fueled by progress,” said Paige Gunderson, ABGF Vice President. “By gathering producers and industry leaders in one facility, we foster a unique environment for direct feedback and community building that strengthens the entire Boer goat sector”.

Summit Highlights Include:

•       Engaging Sessions: Eight expert-led discussions on industry trends and the evolving needs of the meat goat market. Topics include basic and applied parasite management, navigating the global market, optimal nutrition for healthy production, GENEMAX with “Dan the Goat Man”, financial planning for farms, a small ruminant market outlook, and a look at the new and upcoming programs at ABGA.

•       Innovative Practices: In-depth workshops on production techniques designed to boost efficiency and "pasture to profit" margins.

•       Networking & Collaboration: A centralized venue format allows breeders to connect directly with influential industry contacts and corporate partners without the need to travel between locations.

•       Annual Meetings: The event will host the ABGA Annual Membership Meeting and the Summer Face-to-Face Board of Directors Meeting, providing members a voice in the strategic direction of the association.

•       Celebration of Traditions: A formal banquet will honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the success and legacy of the Boer breed.

The ABGF is a recognized 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing the breed through scientific research, youth scholarships, and professional development. This Summit is part of a broader mission to reduce reliance on imported meat and expand domestic production by addressing unique challenges faced by American producers.

Industry partners and media outlets are invited to join this landmark event to witness the innovation driving one of the fastest-growing sectors in U.S. agriculture.

To learn more about the event, registration, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit the ABGF Summit 2026 Official Page.

About the American Boer Goat Foundation 

The American Boer Goat Foundation (ABGF) is dedicated to empowering the Boer goat community through impactful grants, resources, and strategic research. The Foundation supports the next generation of agricultural leaders through the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) and works to ensure the commercial viability and sustainability of the Boer goat breed in the United States.

 

Forecast rain provides incentive for cool-season plantings

 

Jonathan Kubesch, extension forage specialist, and Saline County Extension Agent Nicole Nichols, calibrate a spreader to be used in planting cool-season forages. (UADA image courtesy Jonathan Kubesch)

By Mary Hightower

U of A System Division of Agriculture

Oct. 22, 2025

 Fast facts:

• UADA has a variety of publications to guide cool-season forage decisions
• Planting choices driven by climate, grazing needs

LITTLE ROCK — Another forecast for a rainy weekend means another opportunity for ranchers to speed-plant some cool-season forages, said Jonathan Kubesch, extension forage specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

The National Weather Service was forecasting at least an inch of rain across all of Arkansas this weekend, with the potential for some areas of between 2-4 inches.

When it comes to what to plant, the “No. 1 choice is always going to be annual ryegrass,” he said. “It’s the gateway annual to consider because it is one of the easiest winter annuals to plant. It’s what I went with — based on my needs and what I’m looking for in repeated grazing come spring.”

Kubesch said there are plenty of options for Arkansas forage beyond ryegrass, including winter wheat, winter oats, spring oats and cereal rye.

“Cereal rye is really good if you're expecting it to be nice, cold, and wet,” he said. “A lot of folks are looking at winter wheat as a grazing option. A rye or a wheat paired with ryegrass is a really good mixture for a lot of the state.”

“In South Arkansas, we do have the option of doing winter oats,” Kubesch said. “Coker is a variety that’s mentioned a lot and it’s what’s available.”

However, when it comes to spring oats, Kubesch said growers should proceed with caution.

As for spring oats, “we do not want to plant this fall. It's not going pull through winter,” he said. “And I would really hesitate to put oat into the mix, if you’re trying to grow it anywhere north of central Arkansas.”

However, “in South Arkansas, winter oats are good,” he said. “We had them pull through great at Hope, even with some exciting cold turns last winter.”

Cool-season forages are versatile too, Kubesch said.

“All the cool-seasons are easier to put up as baleage and silage, but can be put up as dry hay too,” he said. “Better yet, graze 'em!”

When it comes to developing a warm-season grazing system, the Cooperative Extension Service recommends:

• Leave 50 percent of the farm in regular grazing or hay feeding areas from August to October
• Stockpile 25 percent of warm-season perennials for fall grazing in October and November.
• Plant 25 percent in winter annuals for winter and spring grazing from February to April

For ranchers trying to sort out the best cool-season grasses or grains to grow, Kubesch said the Cooperative Extension Service has several publications to guide decision-making:

• FSA3063 — Using Cool-Season Annual Grasses for Hay and Silage
• FSA3064 — Using Cool-Season Annual Grasses for Grazing Livestock
• FSA3151 — Planting Oats for Forage
• FSA2139 — General Traits of Forage Grasses Grown in Arkansas

Find a full listing of forage management guides online. 

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.