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Funding and Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture in Missouri

Regenerative agriculture practices are becoming more feasible for Missouri producers thanks to new funding and incentive programs. The Center for Regenerative Agriculture at the University of Missouri has received a $25 million grant from the United States Department (USDA) to lead the Missouri Conservation Crop and Livestock (CRCL) Project in collaboration with 14 partners across the state.

Through eight tailored incentive payment programs, the Missouri CRCL Project aims to increase access to technical assistance and resources to help producers adopt conservation practices. Several of the eight programs reopen for enrollment on June 2, 2025.

  • Rye-Soy Cover Crops
  • Diverse Covers
  • Late Termination
  • Cover Crop Grazing
  • Silvopasture

Producers can receive generous incentive payments while creating more resilient crop and livestock systems. But what are the benefits of adopting regenerative agriculture practices?

Enhance Soil Health

There are numerous regenerative agriculture techniques, each with their own unique benefits. Adopting techniques like cover cropping, cover crop grazing and silvopasture can improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, sequester carbon, increase water retention, enhance biodiversity and more. These effects compound to provide long-term improvements in soil health. Each technique provides unique benefits and may not be suitable for every farm. The Missouri CRCL Project can help you identify the right program for your operation.

Boost Resilience and Productivity

By improving the health of your soil, you are investing in the profitability and resiliency of your operation. Healthier soil can better retain water, reduce runoff and better withstand extreme weather events like drought or flooding. You are also able to maximize economic efficiency, as regenerative practices can help cut input costs, like herbicides or fertilizers, while maintaining or increasing yields. Programs like the Missouri CRCL Project are bridging the gap to make adopting regenerative techniques more affordable, meaning long-term gains for you.

Promote Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health

Regenerative agriculture leads to improvements far outside of soil health or your bottom line. Techniques such as diverse cover crops and cover crop grazing increase plant and animal diversity. By introducing a wider variety of crops or native plants, you are improving soil health and creating a more diverse ecosystem at the same time. This leads to greater land resilience and decreases negative effects on the environment. Plus, through programs like the Missouri CRCL Program, conservation is more economically viable.

Increase Economic Viability

Successfully implementing regenerative agriculture techniques can provide long-term benefits for the land and bottom lines. Over time, reduced input dependency and greater land resilience can lead to higher margins. While producers are the first to benefit from increased profits, local economies also benefit thanks to less vulnerability to global factors.

Producers of all sizes can benefit from funding and incentive programs for regenerative agriculture. Resources like the Missouri CRCL Project or local Farm Service Agency can help connect producers with eligible programs.

Accessing Resources and Education

Producers aren’t alone in the journey to implement regenerative practices into their farms. The Missouri CRCL Project and its partners offer planning, documentation and management support for producers. Through the Missouri CRCL Project website, producers can easily access program guides, application links and other helpful information. Through the Center for Regenerative Agriculture, there are also opportunities for training and events such as field days and workshops.

Incorporating Regenerative Agriculture in Your Operation

Producers can reap environmental and financial returns with regenerative agriculture, especially with support from programs like the Missouri CRCL Program. Missouri producers should explore current funding opportunities to reduce risk and unlock new revenue. To learn more about the Missouri CRCL Program, visit the program’s website.