Missouri incentives boost climate-smart grazing

By Blake Jackson

Missouri cattle ranchers! A bounty of opportunities awaits those embracing climate-smart grazing techniques. With several programs offering financial support, there's never been a better time to green your pastures and improve your bottom line.

Regenerative Grazing Rewards:

• Up to $50 per acre: Receive cash incentives for implementing a management-intensive grazing plan on enrolled pastures.
• Write your own plan: Develop your plan with or without attending an MU grazing school – past attendance also qualifies.
• Find a school near you: Visit https://www.missourifgc.org/grazing-schools to discover upcoming sessions.

Grow Your Edges with Trees:

• $250 per acre: Plant trees along pasture borders with the "Grow Your Edges" incentive, funded by the Missouri Climate-Resilient Crop and Livestock Project.
• Shade and shelter: Offer your cattle natural shade and enhance pasture health with established trees.
• Sharing the cost: The incentive helps offset tree planting and protection expenses, but additional sources might be needed. Missouri Department of Conservation offers bulk seedling purchases at affordable prices.

Opportunities:

• Nutrient management and more: Explore additional incentives through the Missouri CRCL Project, including programs for smaller-acreage farmers and underserved communities.
• Cover crop grazing coming soon: Get ready for cover crop incentives, including grazing options, launching next summer.
• Combined rewards: Maximize your benefits with a cap of $10,000 per farm per year and $20,000 over a project's lifetime across all practices.

Embrace the greener pastures: This is your chance to make a positive impact on the environment, improve your livestock's well-being, and boost your farm's financial sustainability. Don't miss out on these exciting opportunities – start exploring these climate-smart grazing incentives today!

Photo Credit: istock-123ducu