What are the FY26 Kansas high tunnel payment rates?
The FY26 Kansas NRCS EQIP Payment Schedule (version June 23, 2026) lists four rows for practice 325, "High Tunnel System":
| Component | Unit | Standard rate | Historically underserved (HU) rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enclosed High Tunnel, Base Cost | per tunnel | $5,453.95 | $6,544.74 |
| Enclosed High Tunnel, Implementation Cost | per sq ft | $4.79 | $5.75 |
So the formula is simple: payment = base cost + (rate × floor area in sq ft). The schedule itself shows no size cap. Ask your field office whether a cap or a minimum applies to your contract.
The FY27 Kansas payment schedule had not been posted as of November 5, 2026, so the FY26 rates above are the latest. NRCS says schedules come out in the first quarter of the fiscal year (Kansas payment schedules), so re-check before you budget.
Worked examples: three common tunnel sizes
We ran the math for three sizes. Each line is base + rate × sq ft, straight from the schedule.
| Tunnel | Sq ft | Standard payment | Per sq ft | HU payment | Per sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 × 48 ft | 960 | $5,453.95 + $4,598.40 = $10,052.35 | $10.47 | $6,544.74 + $5,520.00 = $12,064.74 | $12.57 |
| 30 × 72 ft | 2,160 | $5,453.95 + $10,346.40 = $15,800.35 | $7.31 | $6,544.74 + $12,420.00 = $18,964.74 | $8.78 |
| 30 × 96 ft | 2,880 | $5,453.95 + $13,795.20 = $19,249.15 | $6.68 | $6,544.74 + $16,560.00 = $23,104.74 | $8.02 |
Two things stand out. First, the base cost makes small tunnels pay more per square foot. Second, going from 30 × 72 to 30 × 96 adds 720 sq ft and $3,448.80 at the standard rate. If your bed plan can use the length, the longer tunnel stretches the grant further per bow.
The payment is a fixed rate, not a percentage of your invoice. Your real installed cost may be above or below it. Get a firm build price before you sign the contract.
What does "historically underserved" mean?
NRCS defines four categories in its CPA-1200 application instructions (December 2025):
| Category | NRCS definition (summarized; quotes from the form) |
|---|---|
| Beginning farmer or rancher | Has not operated a farm or ranch, or has "operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 consecutive years," and will materially participate |
| Limited resource farmer or rancher | Gross farm sales under the indexed limit in each of the prior two years, and household income at or below the poverty level for a family of four or under 50% of county median |
| Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher | "A member of a socially disadvantaged group," meaning a group subject to racial or ethnic prejudice; the form notes gender alone is not a covered group |
| Veteran farmer or rancher | Served in the U.S. armed forces, released other than dishonorably, and has farmed 10 years or less or became a veteran within the last 10 years |
You certify status on the application. On a 30 × 72 ft tunnel, HU status is worth $3,164.39 more ($18,964.74 − $15,800.35).
What does a tunnel have to meet to get paid?
The NRCS practice 325 summary sets the build rules:
- Crops "must be grown in the natural soil profile, or in raised beds up to 12 inches in height."
- The frame "must be at least 6 feet in height at the peak."
- "End walls must be constructed." A manufactured kit or local materials may be used.
- Poly covers: "a minimum of 6 millimeter [6-mil] greenhouse grade, UV-resistant material," with "a min. 4-year lifespan."
- "Purchase a structure capable of withstanding the local snow and wind conditions." Remove the cover before snow season unless the tunnel is designed for the load.
- "High Tunnels funded through EQIP must be operated and maintained for the practice lifespan of five years."
Kansas wind is the hard part. Our wind-rated design guide covers anchoring for Wichita-area wind: a 90 mph 3-second gust in MABCD's local table, about 115 mph ultimate on current maps.
What doesn't the grant cover?
Read the payment schedule closely and the limits are clear.
- Crops off the ground. NRCS says the practice "does not apply to crops grown outside of the natural soil profile." That rules out benches, pots and hydroponics.
- Heat and power. Kansas's FY26 schedule lists only the base and per-square-foot components for practice 325. The NRCS summary lists a supplemental heating system and an electrical system as "Planned Optional Systems," not paid components. Budget for them yourself.
- Irrigation, under 325. Drip is a separate practice. The same schedule lists practice 441, "Hoop House Surface Microirrigation," at $0.33 per sq ft ($0.40 HU). On a 30 × 72 ft tunnel that is $712.80 ($864.00 HU), if NRCS includes it in your plan. The NRCS high tunnel page names micro-irrigation, mulching, diversions and drainage among possible supporting practices.
- Water supply. The well or tap is on you. See our Equus Beds well-water guide.
- Permits. EQIP does not replace local permits. The Wichita–Sedgwick County code excludes poly hoop houses from the building code only "for residential use" (Sec. 2.4.035, UBTC), so a farm tunnel isn't covered, and MABCD lists agricultural buildings as permitted work (MABCD Permits). See the Wichita greenhouse permit guide.
How do you apply for the NRCS high tunnel grant in Kansas?
The NRCS high tunnel page lays out five steps:
- Make a plan. Visit your local NRCS field office for free technical help. In Sedgwick County that is the Wichita Service Center, 11832 W. Central Ave., Suite 100, Wichita, KS 67212, the same office as the Sedgwick County Conservation District (Sedgwick County).
- Start an application. Complete form AD-1026 and the CPA-1200 application.
- Prove eligibility. Bring a tax ID (SSN or EIN), a deed or lease for the land, and a farm number. The Farm Service Agency issues farm numbers and is usually in the same building.
- Get ranked. NRCS ranks applications on local resource concerns, conservation benefit and applicant need.
- Sign and build. If selected, you decide whether to sign. You receive the standards and specifications and have a set time to finish. Payment comes after the tunnel meets them.
When is the Kansas deadline?
NRCS takes EQIP applications year-round, but funding runs in batches. Check the NRCS application cutoff list and confirm the current ranking period with your local NRCS office before planning your application.
| Stage | When | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Plan and price | Fall | Pick a site and size; get a build quote |
| Apply | Confirm the current ranking period with NRCS | AD-1026, CPA-1200, tax ID, deed or lease, farm number |
| Ranking and selection | After the ranking date | Wait for NRCS ranking |
| Contract | After selection | Sign; receive specs and completion deadline |
| Build | Within the contract window | Install to NRCS spec |
| Payment | After inspection | NRCS pays the scheduled rate |
Is a high tunnel worth it in Kansas?
Kansas growers keep adding covered space. The 2022 Census of Agriculture counts 111 Kansas farms growing greenhouse vegetables, up from 88 in 2017, with square footage up 50% to 555,936. For crop advice, the Kansas Rural Center's Growing Under Cover draws on more than 60 Kansas high tunnel growers. K-State's high tunnel video series covers design and planting. For selling the harvest, see our Kansas winter markets guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the NRCS high tunnel grant in Kansas for 2026?
FY26 pays $5,453.95 per tunnel plus $4.79 per square foot. Historically underserved producers get $6,544.74 plus $5.75 per square foot.
Do I get paid before or after I build?
After. NRCS pays when the tunnel is installed and meets its standards and specifications. Don't buy a kit before your contract is signed.
Does EQIP pay for heating a high tunnel?
Not under Kansas's practice 325 schedule. Heating and electrical are listed as optional systems, not paid components.
Can I use a high tunnel for hydroponics or bench crops?
No. Practice 325 requires crops in the natural soil or in raised beds up to 12 inches tall.
When is the next Kansas EQIP deadline?
Sign-up is year-round, but funding runs in batches. Confirm the current application cutoff with your local NRCS office.
How long do I have to keep the tunnel?
NRCS requires EQIP-funded tunnels to be operated and maintained for a five-year practice lifespan.
Ready to build?
- High tunnel and hoop house installation — high tunnels with end walls, roll-up sides and ground posts set for Kansas wind.
- Commercial greenhouse construction — heated, year-round structures when a tunnel isn't enough.
Get a quote
Send us your tunnel size, the site and your EQIP status. We'll price the build against the FY26 payment so you know your out-of-pocket before you sign.