# NRCS Expands Montana Regenerative Pilot

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is expanding its FY2027 Regenerative Pilot Program in Montana by adding nine eligible conservation practices and making $1 billion in financial assistance available. The funding is divided between EQIP ($650 million) and CSP ($350 million). Farmers and ranchers may apply year-round through one local NRCS application covering both programs, and CSP applicants now need to address identified critical soil and water concerns on 75%—rather than 100%—of their land.

- Montana producers can apply year-round through their local NRCS office using a single application for EQIP and CSP; the program does not identify a separate application deadline.
- **Why this matters:** The expanded practices and $1 billion funding pool create a substantial opportunity for eligible producers to finance regenerative conservation work, while the reduced CSP land threshold broadens potential eligibility.
- Organizations providing conservation-related products or services can use the nine newly eligible practices and the EQIP/CSP funding split to assess where their offerings may support participating producers. The announcement describes producer financial assistance, not an agency contract solicitation.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Environment
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 30, 2026

### Government Entities
- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Montana State Technical Advisory Committee

### Key Quotes
> The Regenerative Pilot Program delivers a streamlined, outcome-based conservation model—empowering producers to plan and implement whole-farm regenerative practices through a single application.
> — Gayle Norman Barry, NRCS State Conservationist in Montana

### Sources
- [NRCS Offers Additional Practices for Montana Farmers Participating in the Regenerative Pilot Program | Natural Resources Conservation Service](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/state-offices/montana/news/nrcs-offers-additional-practices-for-montana-farmers-participating-in) - USDA