North Dakota Launches Soil Health and Habitat Program

New $6.5 million pilot project aims to boost cropland productivity and wildlife conservation

Jan. 30, 2026 at 4:23pm

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North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong has announced the launch of the Governor's Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program, a $6.5 million pilot initiative to improve soil health and wildlife habitat on marginally productive cropland across the state. The program is a collaborative effort between the state's agriculture, conservation, and hunting stakeholders, and will provide annual payments to farmers who establish perennial grasses on their land.

Why it matters

The program aims to help North Dakota farmers strengthen their cropland productivity and resilience, while also creating much-needed wildlife habitat and access for hunters. By improving soil health and water retention, the initiative seeks to preserve the state's rich farming and hunting heritage for future generations.

The details

The two-year pilot program will cover approximately 10,000 acres and is being administered by the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts. Farmers can enroll in five-year agreements to establish perennial grasses on their land, and will receive annual payments as well as potential crop insurance premium reductions. The program has received $4.3 million in funding from the state's Outdoor Heritage Fund, along with $2.2 million in matching contributions from partners.

  • The program was announced by Governor Armstrong on January 30, 2026.
  • Enrollment for the pilot program will begin on February 2, 2026.

The players

Kelly Armstrong

The Governor of North Dakota who announced the launch of the Governor's Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program.

Doug Goehring

The North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner who joined Governor Armstrong in unveiling the program.

Jeb Williams

The Director of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, which partnered with the Association of Soil Conservation Districts to secure funding for the program.

Rhonda Kelsch

The Executive Director of the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts, which will administer the program.

North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts

The organization that will administer the Governor's Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program.

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What they’re saying

“This joint effort will help preserve and promote our rich heritage of farming and hunting for generations to come, while also showcasing the spirt of cooperation that makes North Dakota special.”

— Kelly Armstrong, Governor

“This gives us the ability to look at planting some perennial grasses in a short period – I love that flexibility about it. There's a lot of value in this. … It's going to do more to change the landscape and help landowners and sportsmen out there.”

— Doug Goehring, Agriculture Commissioner

“This program is designed to be simple, locally led and producer-friendly. Our goal is to create a soil health and habitat program with strong support from all partners to build a lasting legacy of healthy soils, thriving habitats and resilient communities.”

— Jeb Williams, Game and Fish Director

“This working lands program will encompass environmental stewardship, an economic return on investment, and increased development of wildlife habitat. Through these tools we will continue to build upon a legacy North Dakota can be proud of.”

— Rhonda Kelsch, Executive Director, North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts

What’s next

The pilot program will cover approximately 10,000 acres, with the goal of eventually seeking dedicated funding to execute the program on a larger scale. Landowners interested in the program can contact their local soil conservation district to enroll starting on February 2, 2026.

The takeaway

The Governor's Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program represents a collaborative effort to balance the needs of North Dakota's agricultural community, conservation efforts, and outdoor recreation. By incentivizing farmers to adopt practices that improve soil health and create wildlife habitat, the state is working to preserve its rich natural heritage while also supporting the economic viability of its farming sector.