USDA Montana Newsletter - January 2026
In This Issue:
USDA in Montana reminds agricultural producers of important Farm Service Agency (FSA) program dates. Contact your local service center to apply and with any questions. Visit online at farmers.gov and fsa.usda.gov/mt.
Jan. 23, 2026: Deadline to apply for the On-Farm Stored Commodity Loss Program (OFSCLP)
Jan. 23, 2026: Deadline to apply for the Milk Loss Program (MLP)
Jan. 31, 2026: Deadline to apply for Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL and Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP) for mohair, peanuts, unshorn pelts – LDP only and wool
Jan. 31, 2026: Deadline to apply for the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops program (FSCSC)
Feb. 2, 2026: Voted FSA County Committee Election Ballots to be returned to the FSA County Office or post-marked.
Feb. 16, 2026: Office Closure for the Federal Holiday: Washington's Birthday
Feb. 26, 2026: Deadline to register and elect coverage in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program for the 2026 coverage year
March 2, 2026: Deadline to file a notice of loss and application for payment for LIP for 2025 losses.
March 2, 2026: Deadline to apply for 2025 ELAP and LFP benefits
March 16, 2026: Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage closing date for all spring crops except spring-seeded canola, garlic, rye, speltz, triticale, wheat, ALL annual & perennial grass & mixed forage, and value-loss crops. Please note that the acreage reporting date for your NAP covered crops is the earlier of the established FSA acreage reporting date for the crop or 15 calendar days before the onset of harvest or grazing of the specific crop acreage being reported.
March 31, 2026: Deadline to apply for Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL) and Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP) for Barley, Canola, Crambe, Flaxseed, Honey, Oats, Rapeseed, Seed Cotton, Sesame seed and Wheat.
April 30, 2026: Deadline to apply for Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) Stage 1 and Stage 2
May 25, 2026: Office Closure for the Federal Holiday: Memorial Day
May 31, 2026: Deadline to apply for Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL) and Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP) for corn, cotton, dry peas, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, rice, safflower seed, chickpeas, soybeans sunflower seed
*Note: The Acreage Reporting Date for Spring Alfalfa Seed, all other spring seeded crops, Perennial Forage, Hemp, Grazing acreage and CRP acres is 15 days before the onset of harvest or grazing, or July 15, whichever is earlier.
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FSA Program Updates and Overview of 2025
Happy 2026! I hope the Holidays treated you well and that this new year has started very positively for you.
As you will be able to tell by the various stories in this edition, the FSA is extremely busy administering programs that benefit the farmers and ranchers in Montana. Our aim will always be to provide great customer service, and I have been impressed with the dedication everyone in Montana FSA constantly displays to make that goal a reality. I hope you are staying in touch with your local FSA office to answer your questions and maximize your participation in our many programs.
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) recently announced the new Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program that provides a one-time bridge payment to American farmers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs. This program is based on FSA reported planted acres. Commodity-specific payment rates were released at the end of December, and we’re expecting pre-filled applications to go out to eligible producers during the week of Feb. 23 to meet the target of FBA payments processing by Feb. 28, 2026. We continue to work on FBA policies and provisions for specialty crop producer assistance. We understand you have questions. Producers, including specialty crop producers and stakeholder groups, can submit questions to farmerbridge@usda.gov. I will provide FBA updates as details unfold.
Sign-up is underway for Stage 2 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), which covers eligible crop, tree, bush and vine losses that were not covered under Stage 1 program provisions, including non-indemnified (shallow losses), uncovered, and quality losses. Producers have until April 30, 2026, to apply for both Stage 1 and Stage 2 assistance. I strongly encourage you to use the SDRP Stage 2 Pre-Application Checklist to ensure you have the required forms on file with your FSA county office and to help you start gathering supporting documentation that may be required. When you’re ready, please make an appointment with your local FSA office.
For the first time, USDA disaster assistance will cover shallow losses – losses that didn’t trigger a crop insurance or NAP indemnity but still hit the bottom line. We heard loud and clear from producers that this was a gap in previous programs. Stage 2 also covers uninsured losses and quality losses, everything from smoke-damaged fruit to forage that lost nutritional value due to weather extremes. If the crop’s value dropped because of a disaster, we’re going to recognize that loss.
FSA is also delivering additional disaster assistance through the Milk Loss Program (MLP) for dumped milk and the On-Farm Stored Commodity Loss Program (OFSCLP), which both have a Jan. 23, 2026, signup deadline.
2025 Overview – Montana FSA is Delivering on Our Promise to Put Farmers First
Over the past year, the Trump Administration and FSA have demonstrated our commitment to putting Montana Farmers First.
Since March 2025, FSA has supported farmers and ranchers in Montana through supplemental disaster assistance including $209.1 million through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, $29.1 million through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program and more than $124.2 million in SDRP Stage 1 payments to date.
Last month, FSA in Montana provided $9.7 million in Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage (ARC/PLC) payments with an additional $16 million soon to be disbursed. FSA also provided over $21.3 million in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) annual rental payments to producers and landowners in Montana. These payments came at a critical time as I know many of you are booking inputs and planning for the 2026 crop year.
This year, FSA also provided $31.9 million to producers in Montana through the Marketing Assistance Loan (MAL) program, which provides a short-term loan on eligible commodities that gives producers marketing flexibility to sell their crops when prices are more favorable.
In addition to farm program payments, FSA farm loan staff continue to see strong interest in our direct and guaranteed ownership and operating loans, which offer loans with flexible terms and favorable loan rates. Over the last fiscal year FSA obligated a total of $58.6 million in direct loans and $33.4 million in guaranteed loans across Montana. These loans help borrowers start or expand their agricultural operations, pay family living expenses and fund day-to-day operating expenses.
I’m proud of the support that the FSA staff in Montana have provided to our producers. We recognize the challenges that producers continue to face and I look forward to working on behalf of the Trump Administration and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to ensure the success of the agriculture industry across our state.
Read more about how The Trump Administration has been working around the clock since January 20th to put American Farmers First.
It’s an honor to serve the farmers and ranchers in the great state of Montana.
Wishing you a safe and happy 2026!
Mike Foster
FSA State Executive Director, Montana
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The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is currently accepting offers from individuals interested in providing contracted crop adjusting services throughout Montana for the 2026 crop year. Loss Adjuster applications for the 2026 crop year are due Feb. 6, 2026. to the Montana FSA State Office.
Loss Adjusters perform crop loss and related program services as assigned by FSA. Duties associated with these services include:
- visiting farms to inspect damaged or destroyed crops
- appraising potential crop production
- determining farm-stored production
- visiting FSA offices and/or farms to perform inspections, reviews or other loss services.
As part of the contract process, Loss Adjusters must pass a required fingerprint background check.
Starting pay for new adjusters is $17.50/hour. A pay raise to $23.50/hour is contingent on satisfactory completion of a full certification on at least one crop. Most equipment necessary to perform loss-adjusting activities is provided by FSA. Mileage and per diem will be paid by FSA; however, contracted adjusters are expected to provide their own mode of transportation.
Applications should be sent to:
Montana Farm Service Agency State Office Attention Deitra Thomas P.O. Box 670 Bozeman, MT 59771
All applications postmarked by Feb. 9, 2026, will be reviewed and selections made based on work experience, agriculture background, availability and the need for loss adjusters in the area.
Applications may be found at any FSA county office, online at fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/16_mtfsa_lacapplication.pdf , or by contacting the Montana FSA State Office at 406-587-6870.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has revised the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee voting period, and eligible agricultural producers and private landowners across the country should receive ballots this week.
Elections are occurring in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these committee members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. Producers and landowners must return ballots to their local FSA county office or have their ballots postmarked by Feb. 2, 2026, for those ballots to be counted. Newly elected members will take office on March 2, 2026.
To be eligible to vote in the county committee elections, producers must participate or cooperate in a USDA program and be assigned to the LAA that is up for election. Each year, at least one LAA in each COC jurisdiction is up for election on a three-year rotation, and each producer is assigned to vote in a single LAA. A cooperating producer is someone who has provided information about their farming or ranching operation to FSA, even if they have not applied or received program benefits.
For purposes of FSA county committee elections, every member of an American Indian tribe is considered an agricultural landowner if the land on which the tribal member’s voting eligibility is based is tribally owned or held in trust by the U.S. for the tribe, even if the individual does not personally produce a commodity on that land. Tribal agricultural landowners 18 years and older can contact their local FSA county office to register to vote.
Nationwide, more than 7,700 dedicated members of the agriculture community serve on FSA county committees. The committees are comprised of three to 11 members who serve three-year terms. Committee members play a key role in how FSA delivers disaster recovery, safety-net, conservation, commodity and price support programs, as well as making decisions on county office employment and other agricultural issues.
Ballots must be postmarked or delivered in person to the local FSA office by close of business Feb. 2, 2026, to be counted. Newly elected committee members will take office March 2, 2026. Producers can identify LAAs up for election through a geographic information system locator tool available at fsa.usda.gov/elections and may confirm their LAA by contacting their local FSA office. Eligible voters who do not receive a ballot in the mail can request one from their local FSA county office.
Visit fsa.usda.gov/elections for more information on county committee elections. To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the enrollment period for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program for the 2026 coverage year, an important safety net program that provides producers with price support to help offset milk and feed price differences. Dairy producers can enroll in DMC from January 12, 2026, to February 26, 2026.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed by President Donald J. Trump on July 4, 2025, reauthorized DMC for calendar years 2026 through 2031 and provided substantial program improvements, including establishing new production history and increasing Tier 1 coverage.
The OBBBA increased DMC’s Tier 1 coverage level increased from five million pounds to six million pounds. All dairy operations that elect to enroll in DMC for 2026 will establish a new production history.
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Existing dairy operations that started marketing milk on or before January 1, 2023, will use the higher of milk marketings for the years of 2021, 2022, or 2023.
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New dairy operations starting after January 1, 2023, will use their first year of monthly milk marketings, even for a partial year.
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Milk marketing statements or production evidence are required to establish a production history.
Dairy operations also have the option to lock-in coverage levels for six years (2026-2031) with premium fees discounted by 25%.
DMC offers different levels of coverage, including an option that is free to producers, minus a $100 administrative fee. To determine the appropriate level of DMC coverage for a specific dairy operation, producers can use the online dairy decision tool.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is delivering more than $16 billion in total Congressionally approved disaster relief. FSA is now accepting applications for assistance through the second stage of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) from agricultural producers who suffered eligible non-indemnified, uncovered or quality crop losses due to qualifying natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.
Stage Two covers eligible crop, tree, bush and vine losses that were not covered under Stage One program provisions, including non-indemnified (shallow loss), uncovered and quality losses. Although the majority of payments from the first stage are already in the hands of producers helping them prepare for and invest in the next crop year, Stage One assistance, announced in July, remains available to producers who received an indemnity under crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for eligible crop losses due to qualifying 2023 and 2024 natural disaster events.
The deadline to apply for both Stage One and Stage Two assistance is April 30, 2026.
Additionally, FSA is taking applications for assistance from producers who had to dump or remove milk from the commercial market and who incurred losses of eligible farm stored commodities due to qualifying disaster events in 2023 and 2024.
SDRP Stage Two Program Details
SDRP Stage Two provides assistance for eligible crop, tree, bush and vine losses not covered under Stage One, including:
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Non-Indemnified Losses (Including Shallow Losses)
- Insured losses through federal crop insurance that did not trigger a crop insurance indemnity.
- Losses with NAP coverage that did not trigger a NAP payment.
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Uncovered Losses (Uninsured Losses)
- Includes losses that were not insured through federal crop insurance or NAP.
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Quality Losses
- Includes quality losses to commodities indicated by:
- A decrease in value based on discounts due to the physical condition of the crop supported by applicable grading factors
- A decline in the nutritional value of forage crops supported by documented forage tests.
- Producers will certify to an SDRP quality loss percentage.
FSA is establishing block grants with Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, and Massachusetts that cover crop losses; therefore, producers with losses on land physically located in these states are not eligible for SDRP program payments.
For information on program eligibility and to download an application checklist, visit fsa.usda.gov/sdrp.
More information will be provided in early 2026 regarding a separate enrollment period for quality losses covered by SDRP Stage One as well as for insured producers in Puerto Rico who were not included in Stage One because data was not available when pre-filled applications were mailed.
Milk and On-Farm Stored Crop Loss Assistance
The Milk Loss Program provides up to $1.65 million in payments to eligible dairy operations for milk that was dumped or removed without compensation from the commercial milk market because of a qualifying natural disaster event in 2023 and/or 2024.
Producers who suffered losses of eligible harvested commodities while stored in on-farm structures in 2023 and/or 2024 due to a qualifying natural disaster event may be eligible for assistance through the On-Farm Stored Commodity Loss Program, which provides for up to $5 million to impacted producers.
The deadline to apply for milk and on-farm stored commodity losses is Jan. 23, 2026. Information and fact sheets for both programs are available online at fsa.usda.gov/mlp for milk loss and fsa.usda.gov/ofsclp for on-farm stored commodity losses.
To make an appointment to apply, contact your local USDA Service Center.
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FSA and NRCS program applicants for benefits are required to submit a completed CCC-902 Farming Operation Plan and CCC-941 Average Gross Income (AGI) Certification and Consent to Disclosure of Tax Information for FSA to determine the applicant’s payment eligibility and establish the maximum payment limitation applicable to the program applicant.
Participants are not required to annually submit new CCC-902s for payment eligibility and payment limitation purposes unless a change in the farming operation occurs that may affect the previous determination of record. A valid CCC-902 filed by the participant is considered to be a continuous certification used for all payment eligibility and payment limitation determinations applicable for the program benefits requested.
Participants are responsible for ensuring that all CCC-902 and CCC-941 and related forms on file in the county office are updated, current, and correct. Participants are required to timely notify the county office of any changes in the farming operation that may affect the previous determination of record by filing a new or updated CCC-902 as applicable.
Changes that may require a new determination include, but are not limited to, a change of:
- Shares of a contract, which may reflect:
- A land lease from cash rent to share rent
- A land lease from share rent to cash rent (subject to the cash rent tenant rule
- A modification of a variable/fixed bushel-rent arrangement
- The size of the producer’s farming operation by the addition or reduction of cropland that may affect the application of a cropland factor
- The structure of the farming operation, including any change to a member's share
- The contribution of farm inputs of capital, land, equipment, active personal labor, and/or active personal management
- Farming interests not previously disclosed on CCC-902 including the farming interests of a spouse or minor child
- Certifications of average AGI are required to be filed annually for participation in an annual USDA program. For multi-year conservation contracts and NRCS easements, a certification of AGI must be filed prior to approval of the contract or easement and is applicable for the duration of the contract period.
Participants are encouraged to file or review these forms within the deadlines established for each applicable program for which program benefits are being requested.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) updates to the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Farm Loan Programs are officially in effect. These changes, part of the Enhancing Program Access and Delivery for Farm Loans rule, are designed to increase financial flexibility for agricultural producers, allowing them to grow their operations, boost profitability, and build long-term savings.
These program updates reflect USDA’s ongoing commitment to supporting the financial success and resilience of farmers and ranchers nationwide, offering critical tools to help borrowers manage their finances more effectively.
What the new rules mean for you:
- Low-interest installment set-aside program: Financially distressed borrowers can now defer up to one annual loan payment at a reduced interest rate. This simplified option helps ease financial pressure while keeping farming operations running smoothly.
- Flexible repayment terms: New repayment options give borrowers the ability to increase their cash flow and build working capital reserves, allowing for long-term financial planning that includes saving for retirement, education, and other future needs.
- Reduced collateral requirements: FSA has lowered the amount of additional loan security needed for direct farm loans, making it easier for borrowers to leverage their existing equity without putting their personal residence at risk.
These new rules provide more financial freedom to borrowers. By giving farmers and ranchers better tools to manage their operations, we’re helping them build long-term financial stability. It’s all about making sure they can keep their land, grow their business, and invest in the future.
If you’re an FSA borrower or considering applying for a loan, now is the time to take advantage of these new policies. We encourage you to reach out to your local FSA farm loan staff to ensure you fully understand the wide range of loan making and servicing options available to assist with starting, expanding, or maintaining your agricultural operation.
To conduct business with FSA, please contact your local USDA Service Center.
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The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers two types of set-aside programs to assist FSA direct loan borrowers. The set-aside programs are intended to help distressed borrowers as well as borrowers impacted by natural disasters.
Disaster Set-Aside Program The Disaster Set-Aside Program (DSA) assists existing FSA direct loan borrowers who have been impacted by natural disasters. The DSA program provides short-term financial relief by allowing eligible borrowers to delay FSA direct loan payments that are due this year or next year (but not both). You may delay up to one full annual payment per loan and the delayed payment will be moved to the end of the loan term. You will not be required to pay this set-aside installment until the loan’s final due date.
The principal portion of the amount set-aside will continue to accrue interest at your loan’s existing interest rate.
To be eligible, borrowers must have operated a farm in a county declared a disaster area or a contiguous county at the time of the disaster. In addition, the borrower’s inability to make their upcoming payment must be due to the disaster.
To apply for DSA, borrowers must provide their local USDA Service Center with a letter requesting DSA, which must be signed by all parties liable for the debt. The letter must be provided to your local Service Center within eight months of the disaster declaration date. The application process also includes providing your actual production, income, and expense records for the last three years. FSA may also request additional information as needed to make an eligibility decision.
Distressed Borrower Set-Aside Program FSA Direct Farm Loan Program borrowers whose loans were closed before Sept. 25, 2024, may be eligible for assistance under the Distressed Borrower Set-Aside Program (DBSA). Similar to DSA, DBSA also provides short-term financial relief by allowing eligible borrowers to delay FSA direct loan payments that are due this year or next year (but not both). You may delay up to one full annual payment per loan and the delayed payment will be moved to the end of the loan term. You will not be required to pay this set-aside installment until the loan’s final due date.
An increased benefit with DBSA is that the principal portion of the set-aside will accrue interest at a reduced rate of 0.125% rather than your loan’s existing interest rate.
To be eligible for DBSA, the borrower must demonstrate financial distress, but their inability to make the upcoming payment does not need to be due to a disaster.
The DBSA application process is similar to DSA as borrowers must provide their local USDA Service Center with a letter requesting DBSA, which must be signed by all parties liable for the debt. The application process also includes providing your actual production, income, and expense records for the last three years. FSA may also request additional information as needed to make an eligibility decision.
Important Factors for Both DSA and DBSA: FSA direct loan borrowers are not able to obtain more than one set-aside per loan. Borrowers also cannot obtain both a DSA and DBSA simultaneously on the same loan. In addition, FSA direct loans with less than two years remaining are not eligible for a DSA or DBSA. Other eligibility requirements apply; we encourage you to contact your local Service Center for more information.
Both DSA and DBSA are intended to provide short-term relief for situations where borrowers anticipate the ability to resume paying their full annual installment(s) in the following year. If you require a more long-term form of financial relief, FSA has other potential options available through primary loan servicing (PLS).
For more information on DSA, DBSA, or PLS, please contact your local USDA Service Center or visit fsa.usda.gov.
Additional information, eligibility criteria and program limitations may be found within the Disaster Set-Aside and Distressed Borrower Set-Aside Program fact sheets.
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Gayle Norman Barry has been selected as the state conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Montana. Barry began serving as the temporary, acting state conservationist in July. She is responsible for NRCS operations that support private land managers statewide. These duties include the implementation of voluntary conservation through technical and financial assistance, the Natural Resources Inventory, water supply forecasting, soil survey mapping, and the Plant Materials Center in Bridger.
“I am committed to leading NRCS in the state with a Montana spirit of adventure, purpose, innovation, and community to best support ag producers and conservation partners,” said Barry. “NRCS has the important role of providing free, science-based conservation assistance to farmers, ranchers, and foresters that work to care for the natural resources our rural economy is based on.”
Most recently, Barry has served as the Western Conservation Liaison for NRCS’s Western Regional Office. She has held senior leadership roles with NRCS since 2012. Her leadership has spanned major conservation initiatives, including overseeing implementation of the largest-ever investment in private working lands conservation—through NRCS voluntary programs. As a lifelong Bobcat, she holds a degree from Montana State University and brings a passion for conservation and the farmers, ranchers, foresters, and tribal nations that care for the land, rooted in her family’s small grain and cattle ranch in Springhill, Montana.
Barry may be reached at the NRCS state office in Bozeman at 406-587-6811.
More Information
To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also apply for NRCS programs, manage conservation plans and contracts, and view and print conservation maps by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.
For 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat. NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, personalized advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.
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U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, alongside U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz announced a $700 million Regenerative Pilot Program to help American farmers adopt practices that improve soil health, enhance water quality, and boost long-term productivity, all while strengthening America’s food and fiber supply.
About the Regenerative Pilot Program
Administered by NRCS, this new Regenerative Pilot Program delivers a streamlined, outcome-based conservation model—empowering producers to plan and implement whole-farm regenerative practices through a single application. The initiative highlights USDA’s commitment to putting Farmers First and advancing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda by building a healthier, more resilient food system.
In FY2026, the Regenerative Pilot Program will focus on whole-farm planning that addresses every major resource concern—soil, water, and natural vitality—under a single conservation framework. USDA is dedicating $400 million through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and $300 million through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) to fund this first year of regenerative agriculture projects.
Producers can now bundle multiple regenerative practices into one application, streamlining the process and increasing flexibility for operations. The program is designed for both beginning and advanced producers, ensuring availability for all farmers ready to take the next step in regenerative agriculture.
How to Apply
Farmers and ranchers interested in regenerative agriculture are encouraged to apply through their local NRCS Service Center by their state’s ranking dates for consideration in FY2026 funding. Applications for both EQIP and CSP can now be submitted under the new single regenerative application process.
Read the full announcement.
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USDA announced major updates to federal crop insurance, reducing red tape for farmers, modernizing long-standing policies, and expanding access to critical risk protection beginning with the 2026 crop year. The Expanding Access to Risk Protection (EARP) Final Rule streamlines requirements across multiple crops, responds to producer feedback, and strengthens USDA’s commitment to putting America’s farmers first.
Learn more about the EARP Final Rule.
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USDA NASS released the results of the December Agricultural Survey on January 12, 2026 in the Crop Production 2025 Summary, the Grain Stocks report, and the Winter Wheat Seedings report. These reports provide final acreage and production estimates for row crops, small grains, and hay for the 2025 crop year, grain stocks held on-farm and off-farm as of December 1, 2025, and winter wheat acres seeded for the 2026 crop, respectively.
USDA NASS conducted the January Cattle Survey and the January Sheep & Goats Survey the first two weeks of January. These surveys asked producers their livestock inventories as of January 1, 2026 and their calf crop, lamb crop, and kid crop from 2025. Results from these surveys will be published on January 30, 2026 in the Cattle report and the Sheep and Goats report.
USDA NASS has also begun conducting the 2025 Organic Survey to collect data on organic production, marketing practices, income, and expenses in the U.S., and the 2025 Local Food Marketing Practices Survey to collect data on the marketing of locally and regionally produced agricultural food products.
Thank you to Montana farmers and ranchers for taking the time to respond to USDA NASS surveys. To find results of USDA NASS surveys, please visit https://www.nass.usda.gov.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Rodger Ott, Regional Director, USDA NASS Mountain Regional Field Office, at 1-800-392-3202.
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Montana
USDA Farm Service Agency PO Box 670 Bozeman, MT 59771
Phone: 406.587.6872 Fax: 855.546.0264 Web: www.fsa.usda.gov/mt
State Executive Director: MICHAEL FOSTER
State Committee: Carl Raabe Mattson | Chair Gene Raymond Curry | Member Brian Dale Eggebrecht | Member Constance Ione Iversen | Member Robert E. Lee | Member
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USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
10 East Babcock Street, Room 443 Bozeman, MT 59715-4704 Phone: 406-587-6811 Fax: 855-510-7028 Web: nrcs.usda.gov/montana
State Conservationist: GAYLE BARRY
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USDA Risk Management Agency-Billings Regional Office
P.O. Box 80114 Billings, MT 59108 Phone: 406-657-6447 Fax: 406-657-6573 Email: RSOMT@usda.gov Web:www.rma.usda.gov/rmalocal/montana
Acting Regional Director: ALEXA TALKINGTON
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