Grant Restores South Dakota Grasslands

A $7.98 million federal grant will fund conversion of 7,500 acres of marginal cropland into perennial grassland across South Dakota.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Agriculture

Bold vector editorial illustration of tilled ochre soil giving way to sage-green prairie grass, with a single teal fence post at the boundary. — The $7.98 million federal grant to South Dakota's Second Century Habitat Fund will convert 7,500 acres of marginal cropland into perennial grassland. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Second Century Habitat Fund, a South Dakota conservation group, received a $7.98 million U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to restore grasslands. The funding supports the Working Lands Grassland Recovery Initiative, one of 42 projects selected nationwide.

Why it matters

The project targets marginal cropland, aiming to return it to perennial grass while keeping the land available for managed grazing and hay production. It reflects a federal conservation program that pairs voluntary landowner participation with direct financial support.

The $7.98 million grant will convert 7,500 acres of marginal cropland into perennial grasslands, one of 42 projects selected nationwide. Launch timing and the number of enrolled landowners have not been announced.

The players

Second Century Habitat Fund

A South Dakota conservation group that received the federal grant to carry out grassland restoration work in the state.

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks

The state agency partnering on the project to restore grasslands on converted cropland across South Dakota.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

The federal department that awarded the grant through its Regional Conservation Partnership Program.

The details

Landowners who sign voluntary 10-year agreements may receive help with land preparation, seed purchases, planting costs and rental payments. The project is carried out with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, and applications will be reviewed competitively, with priority for strong conservation benefits.

The grant article was published on November 2, 2026.
Voluntary landowner agreements run for 10 years.
The initiative is expected to launch soon.

Agriculture Context

The award is one of 42 projects selected nationwide under the USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program, which funds voluntary, partner-led conservation work on working farmland. The South Dakota project applies that model to converting marginal cropland back to perennial grass.

Landowners with marginal cropland may qualify for help covering land preparation, seed, planting and rental payments under voluntary 10-year agreements. Eligible applicants will be reviewed competitively, with priority given to projects offering strong conservation benefits.

The takeaway

Landowners weighing how to use marginal ground can consider whether a 10-year conservation agreement with cost assistance fits their operation. Keeping the land available for grazing and hay may preserve its productive value while improving soil and water conditions.