Conservation and soil health - key practices for farmers

By Blake Jackson

The University of Missouri's Center for Regenerative Agriculture, led by Director Rob Myers, is at the forefront of sustainable farming practices.

Established in 2021, the center has attracted significant funding to support programs that implement cover crops, silvopasture, regenerative grazing, and other climate-smart techniques.

The center's mission is to help Missouri farmers build resilient and productive agricultural systems. Here are five key areas where the center is making a significant impact:

Conservation and Soil Health: The center promotes conservation practices to protect soil from erosion and improve its health. Cover crops play a crucial role in this regard, providing soil protection and enhancing its quality during periods when other crops are not being grown.

Climate Resilience for Cattle and Crops: The Missouri Climate-Resilient Crop and Livestock (CRCL) Project, a $25 million initiative, supports farmers in adopting climate-smart practices. The project has already enrolled hundreds of farmers who are implementing cover crops, sustainable grazing, and pollinator habitat on their land.

Cover Crop Seed Development: The center is developing new varieties of cover crops to increase their acreage on farmland. A $10 million grant is supporting interdisciplinary research to develop and promote suitable cover crop varieties for different regions.

Economic Opportunities: The center is helping farmers capitalize on market opportunities related to regenerative agriculture. As consumers become more conscious of sustainability, companies are seeking products grown with regenerative practices.

Carbon Sequestration: The center is working to help farmers implement conservation plantings and approaches that sequester carbon in the soil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes introducing perennial conservation plantings such as pollinator habitat and buffer strips, which also contribute to biodiversity and water quality.

Mizzou's Center for Regenerative Agriculture is a valuable resource for farmers seeking to adopt sustainable practices and build resilient agricultural systems.

By focusing on conservation, climate resilience, crop development, economic opportunities, and carbon sequestration, the center is playing a vital role in shaping the future of sustainable farming.

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