USDA Announces Financial Assistance for Livestock Producers in Western South Dakota

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is providing financial assistance to livestock producers in Western South Dakota through its partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The program aims to increase resiliency on ranches through complete ranch systems planning and implementation of practices that improve grassland and natural resources. WWF's Sustainable Ranching Initiative Program Manager, Alexis Bonogofsky, expressed excitement about the partnership, which will promote livestock grazing practices that benefit grassland ecological functions and grassland bird populations. Applications are available from September 10 to October 10, 2025, and interested landowners should contact their local USDA NRCS service center.

Key Takeaways:

• The USDA's NRCS is providing financial assistance to livestock producers in Western South Dakota through its partnership with the WWF.
• The program aims to increase resiliency on ranches through complete ranch systems planning and implementation of practices that improve grassland and natural resources.
• The partnership with WWF's Sustainable Ranching Initiative is expected to promote livestock grazing practices that benefit grassland ecological functions and grassland bird populations.
• Trained NRCS staff will provide technical and financial assistance to eligible landowners through the RCPP.
• The program is open to landowners in Western South Dakota, with applications accepted from September 10 to October 10, 2025.
• Landowners must enroll in WWF's ranch systems and viability planning program to receive additional financial assistance.
• Eligible practices under the project include brush management, herbaceous weed treatment, conservation cover, prescribed burning, and other related practices.

Statistics:

• The program is available to landowners in Western South Dakota.
• Applications will be accepted from September 10 to October 10, 2025.
• The program aims to make a landscape-level impact through the implementation of 11 eligible practices.
• Participating landowners will have access to additional financial assistance through WWF's ranch systems and viability planning program.
• Landowners who enroll in WWF's program will agree to withhold converting grasslands for 10 years and adhere to an agreed-upon grazing management plan.

Sources:

• U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
• World Wildlife Fund's Sustainable Ranching Initiative Program Manager, Alexis Bonogofsky