By Blake Jackson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has expanded the conservation practices available to Missouri farmers and ranchers through its Regenerative Pilot Program for fiscal year 2027. The changes provide additional opportunities to improve soil health, protect water resources, and strengthen long-term farm sustainability.
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is incorporating locally recommended practices through its State Technical Advisory Committees. This approach allows conservation strategies to address regional environmental concerns, farming systems, and producers’ specific needs.
Missouri’s newly approved practices include 810 Annual Forages for Grazing Systems, 311 Alley Cropping, and 332 Contour Buffer Strips. These additions complement the program’s nationwide core practices and expand the conservation options available to participating producers.
“The Regenerative Pilot Program delivers a streamlined, outcome-based conservation model that empowers Missouri producers to develop and implement whole-farm regenerative practices through a single application,” said Nate Goodrich, NRCS State Conservationist in Missouri.
“Missouri farmers and ranchers have a long tradition of stewardship, and this program provides the flexibility and support they need to strengthen soil health, improve water resources, and enhance the long-term resilience of their operations. Through this initiative, USDA is putting Farmers First while helping build a healthier, more resilient food system for future generations,” Goodrich added.
For fiscal year 2027, USDA increased the program’s funding from $700 million to $1 billion. The allocation includes $650 million through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and $350 million through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Funding supports whole-farm conservation planning focused on soil health, water management, and improved environmental outcomes.
Producers can combine multiple regenerative practices within one application, simplifying the process and allowing greater flexibility. The program accommodates both beginning and experienced farmers interested in adopting regenerative methods.
Additional improvements include reducing the CSP requirement for addressing Missouri’s identified critical soil and water resource concerns from 100% to 75% of an applicant’s land.
The revised requirements maintain the program’s conservation objectives while providing greater flexibility in implementation and outcome measurement. Monitoring options are also available for cropland and grazing operations.
Farmers and ranchers can apply throughout the year through their local NRCS Service Center. However, Missouri producers seeking funding during the current fiscal year should submit applications by November 6, 2026. Applications for EQIP and CSP are available through the program’s single application process.
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Categories: Missouri, Government & Policy