Planting CRP in Washington? Rainier Seeds Matches Your County’s Specs Down to the PLS Rate.
The USDA has accepted 2.2 million acres into the 2026 Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), including 1.5 million new acres. For Washington farmers and landowners whose acres have been accepted, now is the time to begin planning planting and preparing the seed mixes required under your contract.
Navigating CRP requirements does not have to be complicated. With more than 30 years of experience, Rainier Seeds develops CRP seed mixes that meet county-specific NRCS and FSA specifications, including required Pure Live Seed (PLS) rates.
Rainier Seeds supports producers from the initial quote through planting and documentation, helping turn CRP contract requirements into a practical, ready-to-plant seed mix.
Support includes:
Detailed, itemized CRP mix quotes built around the requirements of each contract and county
County-specific mix development and PLS calculations to help meet NRCS and FSA specifications
Coordination on approved substitutions with FSA and NRCS when specified seed varieties are unavailable or alternatives are needed
On-site seed mixing for fast turnaround when planting windows are tight
Corn grit carrier options to improve the flow and distribution of small or lightweight seed through planting equipment
Documentation for CRP cost-share reimbursement to help producers keep required records organized
Backup documentation support when records are needed for program reviews or audits
Rainier Seeds maintains inventory with CRP planting needs in mind, giving Washington producers access to seed and knowledgeable support as they move from contract acceptance to implementation.
CRP provides long-term benefits for agricultural land and natural resources. Producers enrolled in the program establish resource-conserving vegetation that can improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, enhance wildlife habitat, and protect environmentally sensitive acreage. CRP contracts generally run for 10 to 15 years, with enrollment options including General CRP, Grasslands CRP, and Continuous CRP programs such as CREP, SAFE, and CLEAR30.
For Washington producers, meeting the specifications in a CRP contract is an important part of successfully establishing the stand. Rainier Seeds helps customers understand what their contract calls for, identify the appropriate species and seeding rates, and prepare a mix that is ready for the field.
If you have been accepted into CRP and are preparing for planting, contact Rainier Seeds at 509-725-1235 to discuss your county-specific mix requirements, PLS rates, and next steps.
Additional Washington CRP Resources:
USDA Farm Service Agency — Washington State Programs
Information on CRP, CREP, and other conservation programs available to Washington producers.
https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Washington/programs
USDA Farm Service Agency — Conservation Reserve Program
National CRP information, including program requirements, enrollment options, rental payments, and sign-up information.
https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/conservation/conservation-reserve-program
Washington State Conservation Commission — CREP Technician Resources
Washington-specific CREP handbooks, guides, policies, technical resources, and landowner information.
https://www.scc.wa.gov/cd/for-crep-technicians
Washington State Conservation Commission — CRP/CREP Media & Files
Program materials including monitoring reports, assistance guidelines, and FSA CRP handbook resources.