CSP Application Ranking

Deadline: May 01, 2026. NRCS CSP application ranking period. Check your state NRCS for exact dates.

CSP is a conservation program where NRCS ranks farmer applications by state and funds the highest-scoring ones. Better environmental outcomes, proven stewardship history, and clear practices rank higher. If you want a shot at CSP funding, understand that ranking happens at a fixed time. Ask your local NRCS field office when.

REAP funds renewable energy systems—think solar, wind, geothermal—and energy efficiency improvements on farms. It's designed to offset the upfront cost of greener infrastructure. Verify current award amounts with your local office.

Disaster Water Grants help communities rebuild water systems damaged by Presidentially declared disasters. If your county took a hit and lost reliable water supply, this program may fund repairs. Confirm your area's eligibility with Rural Utilities Service.

This program funds repairs to essential community facilities—buildings and infrastructure serving the public—damaged by Presidentially declared disasters. Think town halls, fire stations, water systems, schools. It's not for private property.

The Forest Service wants to fund people who evaluate how their forests are doing over time. It's not a typical farm payment—it's for the work of watching and measuring forest health.

NIFA wants to fund research that makes farming more profitable and sustainable while building a better food system. It's for university-led teams tackling big agriculture challenges with integrated approaches.

Texas A&M Forest Service received $15.7M for community wildfire protection plans and implementation projects in at-risk Texas areas. This may fund either developing new wildfire protection plans or carrying out projects in existing plans less than ten years old. If you farm or ranch in a high-wildfire-hazard Texas county, contact your county extension office to learn if community planning efforts are underway.

Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation received $8.0M to eradicate boll weevil from the Lower Rio Grande Valley, the last U.S. area with active infestations, using aerial applications of malathion in quarantine zones. Cotton growers in the LRGV may see aerial spray operations on commercial cotton; this is a cooperative effort between USDA and the foundation. Contact your local USDA office if you grow cotton in the Valley and have questions about spray schedules.

Idaho received $7.5M for wildfire hazard reduction on private lands near Interstate 90 and critical transportation routes. The work focuses on removing dangerous fuel buildup to protect property, lives, and water sources while improving emergency response. If your operation sits near I-90 or state/federal forest boundaries, contact Idaho Department of Lands to see if your land may qualify for fuel-reduction work.

Prairie View A&M University received $7.4M to provide Extension services in selected Texas counties, focusing on quality of life, natural resources, food security, and community resilience. Programming supports families and communities solving everyday agricultural and community problems through research-based education. Texas residents in Prairie View's service area may benefit from this outreach — check with your county office to confirm coverage.