By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has added new eligible conservation practices to North Dakota’s Regenerative Pilot Program for fiscal year 2027. These updates give farmers more opportunities to improve soil health, protect water quality, strengthen farm resilience, and receive financial support for regenerative farming practices.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is making the program more flexible through its locally led conservation approach. Under this system, State Technical Advisory Committees can recommend additional conservation practices that match local farming conditions, environmental concerns, and producer needs. This change helps ensure that conservation programs work effectively across different regions and agricultural systems.
As part of these improvements, several conservation practices have been added to support regenerative farming efforts. These practices complement the core conservation practices already available across the country and provide producers with more tools to improve land management.
The newly added practices include:
- 380 – Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment and Renovation
- 386 – Field Border
- 390 – Riparian Herbaceous Cover
- 393 – Filter Strip
- 410 – Grade Stabilization Structure
- 412 – Grassed Waterway
- 610 – Salinity and Sodic Soil Management
- 612 – Tree/Shrub Establishment
- 645 – Wildlife Habitat Management
- 810 – Annual Forages for Grazing Systems
These conservation practices help reduce soil erosion, manage water movement, improve wildlife habitat, support grazing operations, address soil quality concerns, and enhance overall environmental benefits on working agricultural lands.
"Producers told us they needed more flexibility to make whole‑farm regenerative management work here in North Dakota, and we listened," said Dan Hovland, NRCS State Conservationist in North Dakota. "By adding state recommended practices to the Regenerative Pilot Program, we’re ensuring that conservation tools match the realities of our soils, climate, and production systems—making it easier for farmers to build resilience for years to come."
USDA is also increasing financial support for the program. For fiscal year 2027, total financial assistance increases from $700 million to $1 billion, showing continued support for regenerative agriculture. The agency remains focused on whole-farm planning that improves soil health and water management while protecting natural resources.
The funding is divided between two major conservation programs. USDA is providing $650 million through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and $350 million through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). These investments support the second year of regenerative agriculture projects and encourage more farmers to adopt conservation systems.
The program allows producers to combine several regenerative practices into one application. This simplified process reduces paperwork and makes participation easier. Farmers can create complete conservation plans that fit their operations while meeting environmental goals.
"The Regenerative Pilot Program delivers a streamlined, outcome‑based conservation model—empowering producers to plan and implement whole‑farm regenerative practices through a single application," said Jarvis Keney, NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Programs in North Dakota. "The initiative highlights USDA’s commitment to putting Farmers First by building a healthier, more resilient food system."
One of the major benefits of the program is that it serves both new and experienced producers. Beginning farmers can access resources to start regenerative agriculture practices, while advanced producers can build upon existing conservation programs. This approach makes regenerative agriculture available to a wider range of operations.
Additional improvements are also introduced for fiscal year 2027. The program continues to support whole-farm conservation planning while reducing participation barriers. Under the Conservation Stewardship Program, the requirement to address critical soil and water resource concerns is reduced from 100% of the applicant's land to 75%. This adjustment provides greater flexibility while maintaining strong conservation outcomes.
The updated program also keeps the outcome-based approach used during the 2026 pilot program. However, producers and program administrators now have more flexibility in measuring and achieving conservation goals. Different monitoring and evaluation methods are available for cropland, grazing land, and forestry operations.
Farmers and ranchers interested in participating can apply through their local NRCS Service Center. Applications are accepted throughout the year, making the process more accessible. Producers seeking funding during the current fiscal year are encouraged to submit applications by November 13, 2026. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.
Applications for both EQIP and CSP can be completed through a single regenerative agriculture application process. This streamlined system helps producers access available support more efficiently and encourages broader adoption of conservation practices.
For more than 90 years, NRCS has worked with farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners to improve air quality, water resources, soil health, and wildlife habitat. The agency continues to provide technical guidance, scientific expertise, and financial assistance to support sustainable agricultural production.
Photo Credit: usda-nrcs
Categories: North Dakota, Sustainable Agriculture