This bill aims to protect native grasslands across the country. It applies “native sod” rules nationwide and sets up a simple tracking system. If a farmer plows previously untilled native prairie to grow a crop, they must tell the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) about those acres using an acreage report and maps to qualify for federal crop insurance or noninsured crop disaster help. USDA must also report each year, from 2026 through 2030, how much native sod was tilled, by county and state. These steps are meant to curb breaking new prairie while keeping clear records of where it happens .

Key points

• Who is affected: Farmers who break native prairie to plant crops; USDA will track and report the acres tilled.
• What changes: To get federal crop insurance or noninsured crop disaster benefits, farmers must certify any tilled native sod and submit updates if things change; USDA will publish annual county-by-county and state reports.
• When: Annual USDA reports run each January 1 from 2026 through 2030.

The short title is the American Prairie Conservation Act, reflecting its nationwide focus on protecting native grasslands .