By Blake Jackson
The University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture has launched the third round of funding for its fall cover crop initiative under the Missouri Conservation Crop and Livestock (CRCL) Project. This program provides financial support to Missouri producers for planting cover crops and trees, helping them adopt sustainable farming practices.
This fall, about $3 million is available for farmers who wish to improve soil health, reduce erosion, and add resilience to their farms. Bethany Bedeker, the cover crop outreach manager, explained that farmers must apply by July 31 or earlier if funds are exhausted. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. If funds run out, remaining eligible applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
Farmers must have operational control of the field and an FSA farm number to qualify.
Payment options under the program include:
- $30 per acre for planting cereal rye before soybeans
- $40 per acre for planting a three-species cover crop mix before corn or other non-legumes
- $15 per acre for delaying spring termination of cover crops until after May 1
- $20 per acre for grazing cover crops
Additionally, support is available for silvopasture, where producers can receive $20 to $50 per tree planted in pastures depending on the tree type.
Farmers can also apply for fields that have previously had cover crops. More conservation programs will open later this year under the same project.
This program offers farmers a valuable opportunity to adopt regenerative practices while earning financial incentives.
For full program details and contact information, applicants can visit the Missouri CRCL Project website.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: Missouri, Business, Crops, Corn