USDA issuing $1.8 billion in conservation payments to farmers and landowners

Agricultural producers and landowners in Mercer and Auglaize counties who participate in federal conservation programs are among those eligible for a new round of payments from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The USDA is issuing approximately $1.8 billion in annual rental payments through the Conservation Reserve Program and Grassland Conservation Reserve Program for 2026.

Payments are made to eligible producers and private landowners who establish long-term, resource-conserving vegetation on enrolled property.

The programs are designed to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and create wildlife habitat. Grassland CRP allows producers to conserve pastureland and other grasslands while continuing most grazing and haying practices.

The USDA said its Farm Service Agency accepted nearly one million new acres into Grassland CRP during the latest enrollment period. After the 2026 enrollment, Grassland CRP is expected to account for more than 40 percent of all acres enrolled in the federal program.

A total of 26.8 million acres nationwide will be enrolled in CRP for fiscal year 2027 after the Farm Service Agency accepted offers covering 2.2 million acres through its Grassland, General and Continuous signups.

The rental payments can provide participating farmers with a steady source of income while keeping environmentally sensitive ground in conservation practices.

The USDA announcement did not include county-level payment totals for Mercer or Auglaize counties.

Mercer County producers may contact the USDA Service Center at 4978 Mud Pike in Celina. The Farm Service Agency can be reached at 419-586-3149. About Us

The Auglaize County Farm Service Agency office is located at 110 Industrial Drive in Wapakoneta and can be reached at 419-738-3918.