By Blake Jackson
A recent federal court decision has reaffirmed a key conservation rule that affects farmers in Missouri. The ruling upholds the USDA’s authority to deny federal subsidies to landowners who clear, drain, or convert protected wetlands—an important tool for preserving natural resources across the state.
The law in question, known as the swampbuster provision, was established under the 1985 Farm Bill. It prevents farmers from receiving benefits such as crop insurance and disaster assistance if they alter wetlands to grow crops.
In this case, CTM Holdings, which owns large tracts of land including acreage in Missouri and Iowa, challenged the swampbuster rule as unconstitutional. The company argued that it placed unfair restrictions on how farmers use their private land.
However, Chief Judge C.J. Williams ruled that the law is legal. He said Congress has the right to set conditions for federal funding. Since farmers voluntarily apply for USDA support, they must also follow the rules tied to those funds.
The Liberty Justice Center, representing CTM Holdings, stated it will appeal the ruling. They claim the swampbuster law restricts property rights and harms family farms. But many conservation groups welcomed the court's decision.
“This is a decisive victory for wetlands and for everyone who understands how important wetlands are for climate resiliency and wildlife habitat,” Dani Replogle from Food and Water Watch said. Similarly, Michael Schmidt of the Iowa Environmental Council said that commonsense protections like swampbuster benefit farmers and communities downstream—including in Missouri.
Wetlands in Missouri play a vital role in managing floods, cleaning runoff, and supporting wildlife. Many endangered species in the U.S. rely on these ecosystems. The USDA uses soil type, plant life, and water presence to identify wetlands—even if they are not wet all year.
This ruling ensures that Missouri farmers who follow conservation practices will continue to benefit from USDA programs while protecting the state’s natural resources.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-pattanaphong-khuankaew
Categories: Missouri, Government & Policy