USDA and WWF Offer Grazing Grants in South Dakota

By Scout Nelson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering financial assistance to livestock producers through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). This opportunity targets producers on grazing lands in Western South Dakota, with applications open through January 23, 2026.

“World Wildlife Fund’s Sustainable Ranching Initiative is excited to partner with NRCS to promote livestock grazing practices that benefit grassland ecological functions, grassland bird populations, and ranch viability and resiliency,” stated Alexis Bonogofsky, WWF Sustainable Ranching Initiative Program Manager.

Through this RCPP project entitled, “Building Ranch Resiliency in SD and Nebraska,” we look forward to making a landscape-level impact and working to understand how grazing practices impact ecological function, soil health, and grassland bird populations in the Northern Great Plains.”

The program’s primary goal is to enhance resiliency on South Dakota ranches through comprehensive ranch systems planning and the implementation of conservation practices that improve grasslands and natural resources while boosting economic viability.

Producers who participate in WWF’s ranch systems and viability planning may qualify for additional financial assistance. This program provides training, cost-share opportunities, ranch monitoring, and peer-to-peer networking for producers who commit to withholding grassland conversion for ten years, followed by a collaborative grazing management plan.

Eligible practices under this project include Brush Management (314), Herbaceous Weed Treatment (315), Conservation Cover (327), Prescribed Burning (338), Fence (382), Pasture and Hay Planting (512), Livestock Pipeline (516), Prescribed Grazing (528), Pumping Plant (533), Range Planting (550), Heavy Use Area Protection (561), Livestock Shelter Structure (576), Watering Facility (614), Water Well (642), Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (645), and Structures for Wildlife (649).

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