CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
most notable Farm Bill easement program is the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program( ACEP). However, because federal money comes with strings attached, landowners should carefully consider what those programs require and work with their land trust partner to fully understand the program restrictions and requirements.
The one-time cash infusion conservation easements and other conservation activities provide is where the indirect effect on profitability comes from.
“ We see producers using the money from conservation easements to pay down debt,” Glenn said.“ We also see them investing in other things that are going to increase profitability margin. That might be investing in new infrastructure that allows them to increase their grazing capacity. We see them investing in buying more land to expand the operation, and in some cases, we see them investing in other ventures to diversify their revenue streams.”
That’ s not all. The cash can be used to provide long-term care for elderly family members or pay for college for the next generation.
“ We’ ve seen landowners open investment accounts to create long-term cash flow so they can pay taxes or pay annual operating expenses,” Glenn added.
So, is a conservation easement right for you? That’ s for you and your family to decide. Each operation is different; short- and long-term goals vary, family dynamics vary and management objectives vary.
With predictions for continued strength in the cattle market, now and for the next several years, might be an ideal time to take a deep dive into how a conservation easement can set the operation up for success today and years into the future.
Look for upcoming articles in the April and July issues of National Cattlemen. This article is the first in a three-part series.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information or to talk to someone about the costs and benefits of conservation easements in general, contact the Partnership of Rangeland Trusts at 303-225-8677( https:// rangelandtrusts. org /) or any of its member organizations:
• California Rangeland Trust 916-444-2096 or info @ rangelandtrust. org
• Colorado Cattlemen’ s Agricultural Land Trust 303-225-8677 or info @ ccalt. org
• Montana Land Reliance 406-443-7027 or info @ mtlandreliance. org
• Nebraska Land Trust 402-438-5263
• Northwest Rangeland Trust 509-520-7483
• South Dakota Ag Land Trust 605-280-2378 or contact @ sdalt. org
• Texas Agricultural Land Trust 210-826-0074 or info @ txaglandtrust. org
• Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust 307-772-8751 or communications @ wsglt. org
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12 FEBRUARY 2026 www. NCBA. org