Drought has far reaching effects, and help for agricultural operations, including in rural areas like the Uintah Basin, is available. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the deadline for agricultural producers and landowners to apply for fiscal year 2026 assistance in the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program through the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The new deadline for entities to apply is May 29th and NRCS is providing up to $200 million in funding for the application period for agricultural land easements. “At NRCS, we are putting Farmers First by actively working to preserve and protect America’s agricultural land for future generations,” shares NRCS Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt. “Through voluntary conservation easements, and strategic partnerships, we are committed to slowing the loss of productive farmland and keeping working lands in the hands of farmers and ranchers.” Local farmers should apply through the Vernal Service Center at 80 North 500 West in Vernal or the Roosevelt Service Center at 815 South 400 West in Roosevelt.
