USDA announced this week a national batching deadline of January 15, 2026, for first-round funding consideration for the following programs:
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP),
- Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP),
- Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP),
- Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA)
- New Regenerative Pilot Program (provides targeted assistance through EQIP and CSP)
What is a Batching Deadline and Why Does It Matter?
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) accepts applications for these programs on a year-round basis. However, applications are not funded on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, NRCS uses batching (or ranking) deadlines to group applications, score them against program criteria, and allocate funding in periodic cycles.
Batching deadlines typically vary by state and by fiscal year. When funding is limited, submitting an application for the first batching period of the fiscal year can increase the likelihood of receiving funding. In several states, the first batching deadline is often in October or November, following the USDA’s fiscal year, which begins on October 1. This year, however, NRCS offices were closed during October and part of November due to a government shutdown, and staff were unavailable to assist applicants. In other states, the first batching date may typically occur later in the fiscal year. This year, January 15 will serve as a uniform “Batch One” application deadline nationwide.
What Do Farmers Need to Do?
For applicants, there’s work to be done, and it needs to be done quickly. This is especially true for new or beginning farmers who may not yet be established with the USDA or NRCS, as the application process will take more time. Those interested in any of the programs listed above should contact their NRCS office as soon as possible to begin or continue the application process.
Applications submitted by January 15, 2026, will be considered in the first funding batch. Applications submitted after that date will be considered in a subsequent batch, provided funding remains available for the applicable program.