USDA CRP Payments – 2025

Introduction – Conservation Reserve Program Payments

[Update 1/29/2025: The Trump administration, acting in the capacity of the Executive Branch of the US government, put the $1.9B USDA CRP under a freeze and review as part of a broader review of all government programs. Although the most recent communication from the White House and press is that the freeze is rescinded, it’s still unconfirmed whether the application, grant review, and disbursement processes are affected. Contact a program officer for the latest updates.]

[Update 1/2/2025: we updated the USDA CRP payments table on a per acre basis for all states using data from the USDA]

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is one of the USDA’s most impactful conservation initiatives, designed to balance agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship. It offers landowners the opportunity to receive payments for converting less-productive or environmentally sensitive land into conservation areas. These payments are a way to stabilize income while improving the land’s long-term health and addressing broader environmental challenges.

At its core, the federal government provides USDA CRP payments to establish long-term vegetation—such as grasses, trees, or wetlands—that reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitats, and even sequester carbon. For farmers, ranchers and landowners, this program is not about taking land out of production without purpose; it’s about using marginal or vulnerable areas more wisely.

Estimate Your USDA CRP Payments

To help farmers and landowners better understand CRP payment opportunities, the table below provides a breakdown of the average rental rates per acre for each program type across all 50 states. These rates highlight the financial incentives offered for enrolling in General CRP, Continuous CRP, CREP, Farmable Wetlands, or Grasslands CRP.

The data reflects real-world figures from 2024 and can serve as a practical guide for estimating potential income based on your state and the type of conservation practice best suited to your land. By comparing rates, you can assess which program aligns with your conservation goals and financial needs.

State	General ($/Acre)	Continuous Non-CREP ($/Acre)	CREP ($/Acre)	Farmable Wetlands ($/Acre)	Grasslands ($/Acre)
Alabama	49.1	50.26	191.34		16.23
Alaska	41.91	44.53
Arkansas	73.05	92.76	292.06	83.97	14.73
California	35.05	24.72			14.39
Colorado	29.87	40.65	190.77	70.11	16.5
Delaware	81.8	116.62	163.12
Florida	75.26	72.26			19.39
Georgia	78.72	80.44	80.44		20.99
Hawaii		47.21	47.21		10.48
Idaho	42.94	50.92	240.63	114.19	11.45
Illinois	161.82	233.95	292.06	280.31	29.34
Indiana	142.85	218.98	312.83	203.26	33.68
Iowa	173.2	256.07	362.13	292.51	39.15
Kansas	42.54	56.02	144.05	62.63	17.16
Kentucky	132.25	187.91	330.73		24.55
Louisiana	67.76	113.44	113.22	100.02	19.18
Maine	57.22	68.03		110.02	15.46
Maryland	115.22	130.22	268		36.55
Massachusetts		101	101		33.07
Michigan	115.41	167.95	207.39	181.32	16.57
Minnesota	103.85	175.36	325.02	198.18	26.25
Mississippi	68.49	104.31	147.05	118.41	16.86
Missouri	139.65	158.54	173.19	222.34	25.97
Montana	30.03	37.12	64.77	40.23	12.89
Nebraska	66.8	156.89	199.44	181.32	16.15
Nevada	10.12				10.12
New Jersey	54.32	65.22	164.49		33.07
New Mexico	32.08	28.99	28.99		15.27
New York	62.34	67.45	112.82		20.56
North Carolina	67.2	93.53	133.85	105.96	18.49
North Dakota	48.32	72.87	78.07	195.09	16.43
Ohio	122.78	180.59	263.85	56.4	22.56
Oklahoma	25.94	41.95	42.71	68.03	17.43
Oregon	52.51	68.03	78.25	70.24	12.68
Pennsylvania	75.65	70.24	165.74		24.33
South Carolina	40.78	52.19	52.19	154.89	18.2
South Dakota	67.07	129.96	121.28	123.35	16.17
Tennessee	93.01	123.35	123.35		14.49
Texas	28.46	24.68	123.83		10.41
Utah		60.38	124.11		123.83
Vermont	44.35	79.29	85.39		17.79
Virginia	58.41	69.16	74.87	110.4	11.63
Washington		48.17	85.6		12.83
West Virginia	123.02	186.54	203.38	186.57	25.96
Wisconsin	26.29	28.27	28.27		13.23
Wyoming	26.29	28.27			13.23

Comparison To Productive Use Of Land

Computing the difference in earnings between farming the land and enrolling it in USDA CRP payments is a practical exercise for any farmer evaluating the program. To estimate this, begin by calculating the average revenue per acre from your current crop yield, factoring in the market price of your crops (e.g., corn, soybeans, wheat) and subtracting production costs like seeds, fertilizers, and labor.

Compare this figure to the CRP rental rate per acre offered for your land type. For example, if corn generates $600 per acre in revenue but costs $450 per acre to produce, the net earnings are $150 per acre. If the CRP payment is $74 per acre, enrolling would yield less revenue initially but comes without the risks and input costs of farming.

Additionally, consider the long-term benefits of CRP, such as improved soil health, which might boost yields when the land is eventually returned to production. This comparison helps evaluate the trade-offs between short-term profitability and long-term sustainability.

Who is a Good Fit for the USDA Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)?

A perfect candidate for the USDA Conservation Reserve Program is someone who meets the following criteria:

1. Owns or Operates Environmentally Sensitive or Marginal Land
   CRP is designed for land that struggles to yield consistent profits or poses environmental challenges. Marginal lands—such as those prone to erosion, poor drainage, or low soil fertility—are ideal for this program. Instead of pushing these areas to produce, CRP allows them to rest and regenerate.
2. Is Committed to Sustainable Land Management Practices
   Participants should value the long-term benefits of conservation practices, including healthier soil, cleaner water, and support for wildlife habitats. This program is about creating a sustainable balance between agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship.
3. Can Benefit from a Stable, Guaranteed Income Source
   CRP provides predictable, annual rental payments that offer financial security even when commodity prices fluctuate or weather conditions make farming difficult. This is particularly beneficial for farmers seeking a safety net for less-productive acres.
4. Is Willing to Take Land Out of Active Agricultural Production
   Enrolling in CRP means committing land to conservation practices for a period of 10-15 years. During this time, the land cannot be used for conventional farming, but it becomes a resource for soil restoration, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity.
5. Seeks to Improve the Long-Term Health and Productivity of Their Land
   CRP participants often look beyond immediate financial gains, focusing instead on the program’s ability to rejuvenate soil and reduce erosion. After the program term ends, land often returns to production with higher fertility and better yields.

By converting marginal or sensitive land to conservation uses, CRP participants not only improve their farms’ resilience but also contribute to larger environmental goals like reducing greenhouse gases and improving water quality. This makes the program a smart choice for forward-thinking landowners.

Estimating the Economic Impact of USDA CRP Payments

The economic impact of enrolling land in CRP depends on several factors, including the percentage of land enrolled and the type of conservation practice implemented.

Stable Source of Income: In the short term, CRP payments provide a stable source of income, offsetting potential losses from reduced crop production. For example, a farmer who enrolls 10% of their land might see a drop in revenue from crops but gain financial stability through annual payments.

Improved Soil Health and Yield: The long-term benefits are even more significant. Land enrolled in CRP often experiences improved soil health, leading to higher yields when it is eventually returned to production. Studies have shown yield increases of 10-20% due to better soil structure and reduced erosion. Additionally, farmers may see lower input costs, such as reduced reliance on fertilizers and pesticides, thanks to healthier soils.

Healthier Community: Beyond the farm, CRP benefits ecosystems and communities. Conservation practices improve water quality, reduce flooding, and support wildlife. Programs like Grasslands CRP and FWP help preserve biodiversity, while CREP targets specific environmental challenges at the state level. These outcomes contribute to a more sustainable agricultural landscape.

Specialized CRP Initiatives

There are a number of special CRP initiatives. Take a look below to see if you fit any of them.

CLEAR30 (Clean Lakes, Estuaries, And Rivers Initiative)
CLEAR30 offers 30-year contracts aimed at enhancing water quality through conservation practices. Initially launched in 2020, it has since expanded nationwide, providing landowners with the opportunity to make long-term commitments to water quality practices on their CRP land.

SAFE (State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement)
SAFE focuses on creating, restoring, or enhancing vital habitats to benefit high-priority wildlife species identified at the state level. This initiative allows landowners to contribute to local conservation efforts tailored to specific ecological needs.

FWP (Farmable Wetlands Program)
FWP is designed to restore previously farmed wetlands and adjacent upland buffers to improve water quality and provide wildlife habitat. It offers landowners the opportunity to enroll eligible wetlands into conservation practices that enhance environmental health.

Tribal Nations CREP Agreements
In 2022, the USDA entered into its first-ever Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) agreements with Tribal Nations, including the Cheyenne River, Oglala, and Rosebud Sioux Tribes. These agreements allow for the enrollment of eligible grassland, pastureland, and other agricultural lands within reservation boundaries into conservation programs, reflecting USDA’s commitment to engaging underserved communities.

How to Enroll in CRP

As of January 2, 2025, the USDA has announced the following application periods for CRP and related conservation programs:

• Continuous CRP Signup: Ongoing throughout 2025, allowing landowners to enroll in high-priority conservation practices without specific deadlines.
• CLEAR30 Signup: Typically runs from April 1 to July 31. For 2025, interested participants should confirm exact dates with their local USDA Service Center, as schedules may vary.
• General CRP Signup: Dates for 2025 have not been universally announced. Farmers and landowners are advised to contact their local USDA Service Center for the most current information on enrollment periods.
• Grassland CRP Signup: Similar to General CRP, specific dates may vary. It’s recommended to consult with local USDA offices for detailed timelines.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s essential to maintain communication with local USDA Service Centers or consult the official USDA websites, as program dates and availability can change based on policy updates and funding allocations.

For those with expiring CRP contracts, the Transition Incentives Program (TIP) offers additional opportunities. TIP incentivizes landowners to transition CRP acres to new or socially disadvantaged farmers, promoting sustainable land management practices.

Applicants can contact a local USDA service center.

Transition Incentives Program (TIP)

TIP was created to encourage landowners with expiring CRP contracts to transition their land to individuals who are new to farming or historically underserved in the agricultural sector. This supports the next generation of farmers while ensuring that the land continues to be managed sustainably.

Eligibility

Eligibility is for landowners with CRP contracts that are set to expire within the next year. The land must be sold or leased to a beginning farmer, socially disadvantaged farmer, or veteran farmer for at least five years. The new operator must plan to use sustainable farming or ranching practices.

Incentives

TIP offers two additional annual rental payments to the retiring CRP participant during the transition period. These payments provide financial support as the land changes hands.

Benefits to Farmers

For retiring landowners, TIP provides financial security and a way to leave a legacy by helping a new farmer establish their operation. For new farmers, TIP creates affordable access to land with a conservation history, often resulting in healthier soil and better productivity.

How to Apply

Landowners and interested new operators should work closely with their local USDA Servic Center to complete the necessary agreements. TIP is available on a rolling basis but is limited by funding, so early planning is essential.

Why TIP Matters

For farmers considering how to manage expiring CRP land, TIP provides a structured and rewarding way to transition that land into the hands of someone committed to sustainable agriculture. It not only supports new farmers but also ensures that the conservation benefits established during the CRP term are maintained.

As a landowner nearing the end of a CRP contract, TIP offers a chance to make a meaningful contribution to the future of agriculture while benefiting from additional income. For beginning farmers, TIP represents a vital opportunity to access land and establish their farming practices sustainably.

Conclusion

The Conservation Reserve Program offers farmers and landowners a unique opportunity to align their operations with environmental stewardship while securing stable financial support. By addressing challenges like soil erosion, water quality, and carbon emissions, CRP contributes to the health of agricultural systems and the broader environment.

Whether through General CRP, Continuous CRP, or specialized programs like CREP, the program empowers landowners to make meaningful changes on their land. For farmers looking to balance productivity with sustainability, CRP provides a practical and impactful solution.