By Blake Jackson
Good news for Missouri livestock producers! Until January 31, 2024, you can receive financial incentives for adopting climate-smart grazing practices. This is a great opportunity to support regenerative grazing, especially considering Missouri's high cattle population.
Farmers implementing a management-intensive grazing plan on enrolled pastures qualify for $50 per acre. This plan needs to be written and can be developed through MU grazing schools or prior participation in one.
This program complements the new Missouri Native Forages Initiative, funded by the USDA and Missouri Department of Conservation. Additionally, the Missouri Climate-Resilient Crop and Livestock (CRCL) Project offers a $250 per acre "Grow Your Edges" incentive for planting trees on pastures. This effort, led by the MU Center for Agroforestry, provides shade and other benefits for cattle.
While the silvopasture incentive might not cover the full cost of establishing tree borders, it helps with seedling expenses. Seedlings are available through the Missouri Department of Conservation and other sources, often at affordable prices.
Other CRCL Project incentives include nutrient management and the Climate-Smart Fieldscapes program, specifically supporting underserved farmers with smaller acreages.
Cover crop incentives, including cover crop grazing, will be available for enrollment next summer. The maximum yearly payout across all practices is $10,000 per farm and $20,000 over the project's lifetime.
Go to https://cra.missouri.edu/mo-crcl for more information.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-seventyfour
Categories: Missouri, Business, Livestock