Financial Incentives Available For Climate-Smart Grazing In Missouri

LINDA GEIST

COLUMBIA, MISSOURI

Missouri livestock producers may be eligible for new financial incentives for incorporating climate-smart grazing practices.

Enrollment for currently available climate-smart grazing incentives runs through Jan. 31, 2024, says Rob Myers, director of University of Missouri’s Center for Regenerative Agriculture. It’s a great opportunity for more farmers to get support for regenerative grazing, Myers says. Missouri ranks third in the nation in number of cattle.

Farmers enrolled in the regenerative grazing program receive $50 per acre for implementing a management-intensive grazing plan on the enrolled pastures. The plan needs to be in writing and can be done in conjunction with attending an MU grazing school or from having participated in one in recent years. See https://www.missourifgc.org/grazing-schools(opens in new window) for the schedule of schools in your area.

The program complements the new Missouri Native Forages Initiative, which has been supported with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Missouri Department of Conservation funding.

Another grazing opportunity through the Missouri Climate-Resilient Crop and Livestock (CRCL) Project is a $250 per acre “Grow Your Edges” incentive for those who implement tree planting on pastures. The MU Center for Agroforestry leads this effort to provide cattle with shade and other pasture benefits.

The silvopasture incentive may not cover the entire cost of establishing the woodland perimeter, Myers says, but it helps pay for the cost to establish and protect tree seedlings, which are available through Missouri Department of Conservation and other sources. MDC sells tree seedlings in bulk, typically $50 for 100 seedlings, but price can vary by species.

Other incentives are also currently available through the Missouri CRCL Project, including for nutrient management, says Myers. There is also a program for smaller-acreage producers called the Climate-Smart Fieldscapes program, which is particularly targeted to underserved farmers.

Enrollment will be available next summer for cover crop incentives, including cover crop grazing. Maximum yearly payment across all practices combined is $10,000 per farm and $20,000 per project lifetime.

Go to https://cra.missouri.edu/mo-crcl(opens in new window) for more information. ∆

LINDA GEIST: University of Missouri