Federal program pays landowners to convert cropland to grassland for cattle.

What it does

The bill creates a program that pays landowners to stop growing crops. Instead, they raise cattle on grassland. The government pays 75% of typical crop-rental rates each year. It also pays half the cost to plant native grasses. Landowners sign contracts for 10 to 15 years. Beginning farmers and those using high-quality seeds get bonus payments.

Who it affects

Landowners and ranchers get paid to convert their cropland. Beginning farmers get extra bonus payments. Up to 20 million acres could be enrolled.

One thing to notice

The bill does not say what results the government expects. It does not require proof that wildlife habitat improves or carbon is stored.

From the analysis of the bill text, linked under Primary records below.

Where it stands

1 cosponsor: 1 Democrats.

• Aug 6, 2026 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in Senate”
• Aug 6, 2026 — Referred to Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry · Congress.gov: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.

Words to know

• cropland — Land used to grow crops like corn, wheat, or soybeans.
• grassland — Land covered with grass and other plants, used for grazing cattle.
• native grasses — Grass species that grow naturally in a region and support local wildlife.
• beginning farmers — Farmers who have owned and operated a farm for ten years or less.