Last progress July 31, 2025 (4 months ago)
Introduced on July 31, 2025 by John Thune
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (text: CR S4999)
This bill updates the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to give farmers and ranchers more flexibility while protecting wildlife habitat. It makes it easier to enroll land in the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) practice, which supports habitat for at‑risk species. It also allows emergency haying on CRP land during tough times like droughts, floods, or wildfires, but sets limits to protect nesting birds and plant cover. For example, emergency haying can happen only outside the primary nesting season and during the last two weeks of that season, and only on up to half of a contract’s acres. Counties must meet certain conditions, such as severe drought (D2 or worse), at least a 40% loss of forage, or a disaster finding by USDA that won’t cause lasting damage to the cover.
Key points:
| Who is affected | What changes | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Farmers/ranchers with CRP contracts | May hay in emergencies on up to 50% of contract acres; must avoid most of the nesting season and follow a site-specific plan | During severe drought (D2+), 40%+ forage loss, or other USDA-recognized disasters |
| Wildlife and habitat areas | Easier enrollment of acres in SAFE to improve habitat | Ongoing, as land is enrolled under CRP |