NRCS Oklahoma Recognized for Achievements in Program Delivery for Fiscal Year 2026
On Monday, August 24, 2026, the Oklahoma Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Office in Stillwater, Oklahoma, hosted Assistant Chief for the Central Region of NRCS, Jimmy Emmons. Emmons visited his home state to congratulate NRCS Oklahoma on its outstanding achievements and for being the top state in the region for showing the most improvement in obligating program applications. The Central Region consists of Nebraska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Emmons motivated his region to increase applications and allocations for programs like the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and the Regenerative Pilot Program (RPP) by offering a personally paid lunch and a visit to their state’s main office. Oklahoma shot to the top of the ranks after increasing their numbers by 65% in three weeks. Oklahoma NRCS distributed roughly $45 million to producers during that period. Oklahoma currently ranks 2nd in the nation for Farm Bill program EQIP and CSP contracts, behind only Texas.
After enjoying a full barbecue lunch, Emmons helped acting State Conservationist Matthew Denton present awards to eight teams and individuals who helped drive the agency’s program success.
Awardees Include:
Team 7 – For recognition as the first team to a 100% Obligation Rate for Program Delivery FY 2026 in the West Zone.
Andy Bennett – In recognition of extraordinary Program Delivery support for FY 2026 Obligations in the State of Oklahoma.
Team 10 – For outstanding contributions for the Regenerative Pilot Program (RPP) for FY 2026, including but not limited to, innovative approaches for implementation, opportunities, feedback, and expedient action for this pilot effort.
Rick Doyle – For recognition of extraordinary Program Delivery support for FY 2026 Obligations in the State of Oklahoma.
Team 17 – For recognition as the first team to a 100% Obligation Rate for Program Delivery FY 2026 for the Central Zone.
Team 6 – For outstanding contributions for the Regenerative Pilot Program (RPP) for FY 2026, including but not limited to innovative approaches for implementation, opportunities, feedback, and expedient action for this pilot effort.
Dustin Stoner – In recognition of extraordinary Program Delivery support for FY 2026 Obligations in the State of Oklahoma.
Team 23 – In recognition as the first team to a 100% Obligation Rate for Program Delivery FY 2026 in the East Zone.
The deadline to apply and receive funding in Fiscal Year 2027 for the programs mentioned is September 30, 2026. Please visit your local NRCS Service Center to apply and learn more. Oklahoma | Natural Resources Conservation Service
More Information
USDA offers a variety of risk management, disaster assistance, loan, and conservation programs to help producers weather ups and downs in the market, recover from natural disasters, and invest in improvements to their operations. Learn about additional programs.
View the full gallery of photos of the event here: NRCS Lunch & Learn 2026 – Oklahoma Conservation Commission
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Learn more about NRCS Oklahoma here: Oklahoma | Natural Resources Conservation Service