Financial Incentives Available for Climate-Smart Grazing in Missouri

By Blake Jackson

Missouri livestock producers may be eligible for new financial incentives for incorporating climate-smart grazing practices.

Enrollment for currently available climate-smart grazing incentives runs through Jan. 31, 2024, says Rob Myers, director of University of Missouri’s Center for Regenerative Agriculture. It’s a great opportunity for more farmers to get support for regenerative grazing, Myers says. Missouri ranks third in the nation in number of cattle.

Farmers enrolled in the regenerative grazing program receive $50 per acre for implementing a management-intensive grazing plan on the enrolled pastures. The plan needs to be in writing and can be done in conjunction with attending an MU grazing school or from having participated in one in recent years. See missourifgc.org(opens in new window) for the schedule of schools in your area.

The program complements the new Missouri Native Forages Initiative, which has been supported with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Missouri Department of Conservation funding.

Another grazing opportunity through the Missouri Climate-Resilient Crop and Livestock (CRCL) Project is a $250 per acre “Grow Your Edges” incentive for those who implement tree planting on pastures. The MU Center for Agroforestry leads this effort to provide cattle with shade and other pasture benefits.

Photo Credit: aim-for-climate