USDA Announces January 15 National Batching Deadline for Major NRCS Conservation Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today announced the establishment of a national January 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), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), and Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA). This includes the new NRCS Regenerative Pilot Program, which provides targeted Farmer First assistance through EQIP and CSP. 

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

Programs with a January 15, 2026, batching period deadline include:

• Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)
• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
• Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA)
• New NRCS Regenerative Pilot Program (EQIP & CSP)

San Benito County farmers and ranchers interested in applying for NRCS programs please contact the USDA Hollister Service Center for more information: 2337 Technology Parkway, Hollister CA  (831) 637-4360.