Welcome

Submitted by Andrew Wertz, NRCS District Conservationist, Ellendale Field Office

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New NRCS Regenerative Pilot Program

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On December 10th, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, announced a Regenerative Pilot Program (RPP) aimed to help farmers incorporate conservation practices that improve soil health, enhance water quality, and boost long-term productivity. The Regenerative Pilot Program will focus on whole-farm planning that addresses every major resource concern. 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 projects. Producers will be able to apply for multiple regenerative practices within one application to streamline the process and increase flexibility for operations. The program is intended for both beginning and advanced producers, allowing all farmers the ability to take the next step in regenerative agriculture.

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To participate in the Regenerative Pilot Program, producers must work with NRCS staff, partners, or technical service providers to conduct a whole-farm assessment; use at least one primary regenerative management practice; and agree to perform soil health testing in the first and last year of the contract (at a minimum) to establish a starting baseline and to record the resulting changes. The whole-farm assessment includes all resource concerns to be evaluated and must meet NRCS planning criteria. A list of the available primary regenerative practices can be found at nrcs.usda.gov.  

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Farmers and ranchers interested in regenerative agriculture can apply through their local NRCS Service Center. To be considered for funding in FY2026, applications must be received by January 15th, 2026. NRCS programs are always on a continuous sign-up basis, but due to the government shutdown, the agency implemented a national batching period of January 15th for all major NRCS Conservation Programs. These programs include: Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Agricultural Easement Program (ACEP). As always, NRCS is available to assist with any technical questions, planning criteria, and implementation of conservation practices.

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Upcoming Dates:

New Year’s Day: January 1st – Office Closed

SCD District Board Meeting: January 14th, 9am – USDA Service Center, Ellendale

NRCS Program Application Deadline: January 15th

Martin Luther King Jr. Day:  January 19th – Office Closed

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For more information contact the James River Soil Conservation District and Ellendale NRCS office at 349-3653, ext. 3. Our field office is in Ellendale at 51 N. 1st Street. Also, remember to visit the James River Soil Conservation District Facebook page and our websites for more information –http://www.jamesriverscd.org/ and http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/nd/home/. The NRCS is an equal opportunity employer, provider and lender.