CONSERVATION COMPASS > FUNDING

Grassland CRP

Modified On
April 8, 2026

Grassland CRP helps landowners protect rangeland, pastureland, and similar areas while maintaining them as active grazing lands. Unlike other versions of CRP, this one allows for grazing, harvesting hay, and harvesting seed. It pays annual rental payments to enrolled producers.

Info at a Glance

Lead Organization

USDA-FSA

Funding Source

Public (Federal)

Agronomist Support?

Technical support provided

Eligibility:

Must have owned or operated land for at least 12 mo. prior to end of signup period (with some exceptions) // Land must meet one of following criteria: has established forbs or shrubs, is located in area historically dominated by grassland, provides habitat, is currently in an expiring CRP contract // Grassland CRP must not have more than 5% tree canopy.

Location

Statewide

Contract Length

10-15 years

Deadline

TBD

Sign-up Process

You must apply during an announced batching period. You will work with your FSA office to put together a competetive offer. Offers are then given a score based on your proposed rental rate and environmental factors, and ranked against eachother nationally. The Sec. of Ag will announce a ranking score cutoff. If your offer is at or above this score, you are accepted.

Pros and Cons

  • This is one of the few prairie and grassland programs that does allow for grazing, haying, and harvesting seed.
  • In addition to rental payments, ther eis help for grazing infrastructure like fencing
  • Is an option for producers with expiring CRP contracts to transition into a grazing-focused program.
  • Competitive selection. Offers are ranked nationally so there is no guarantee of acceptance.
  • Boundary fences are not eligible for cost share.
  • Still restrictions on haying and grazing during primary nesting seasons.


Rates:

Annual payment rates are individual and based on the value of the grazing land. Your local FSA staff will help you calculate this number to submit a competetive bid.

Cost share for infrastructure can pay for up to 50 percent of grazing infrastructure; boundary fences excluded.

Notes:

Submitting a lower rate can improve your ranking and likelihood of acceptance.


Helpful Links

Program Website

CONTACT IAWA Find Conservation Agronomist Conservation Compass home

Stacks well with:

Always check with program rep before signing up for multiple programs. Learn more about stacking here.

Practical Farmers of Iowa Grazing Infrastructure

This is a small program with limited funds to help farmers set up grazing infrastructure including on cover crop acres. It’s a great way to make your cover crop investment even more useful.


Learn more

Looking for help?
Search our Agronomist Directory.

AGRONOMIST DIRECTORY