Tricolored Blackbird RCPP Funding Scenario Shortfall

Published Friday, February 6, 2026
Late last week, the Natural Resources Conservation Service announced that the draft list of payment scenarios for the tricolored blackbird Regional Conservation Partnership Program omits silage delay as an option for program participants this year. Silage delay is the primary scenario used to compensate landowners impacted by nesting tricolored blackbirds, typically providing payments ranging from $700 to $1,100 per acre.
The closest remaining option on the draft list is "delayed mowing on hay fields," which provides $200 per acre. It is our understanding that this decision was made at the federal level within NRCS, while state staff continue efforts to advocate for the scenario's inclusion. California Farm Bureau staff is coordinating with other stakeholders-including Audubon, Western United Dairies, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and others-to urge NRCS to retain silage delay as a funding option.
At this time, it remains unclear when the payment scenarios will be finalized, though a decision is expected soon as the tricolored blackbird nesting season approaches.
Staff contact: Richard Filgas, rfilgas@cfbf.com.


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