Farm Advisors

Cover Crops: A Cost-Effective Tool for Controlling Erosion

This resource discusses the costs of soil erosion and explains how cover crops and reduced tillage can limit erosion before it begins by protecting soil from raindrops and increasing infiltration.

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) – USDA, NRCS

USDA’s Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps farmers and landowners implement conservation practices to improve your operation and address natural resources concerns through a comprehensive (whole-farm) approach.  CSP contracts are set by state.  Here is a list of Missouri CSP practices and estimates payments.    To get started with CSP, contact your local USDA service...

Missouri Department of Conservation Private Lands and Agriculture

The Missouri Departent of Conservation provides many resources to learn about improving your Missouri grasslands. This site will also help you find your local private land conservationist who can advise you on how to implement conservation practices on your farm or land.

University of Missouri Soil Health Assessment Center website

Learn about and how to use the services offered to farmers, landowners, researchers, consulting firms, state agencies, and landscape architects by the Soil Health Assessment Center. These services include soil characterization services of physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil.

SARE Cover Crop Economics Report

This resource, Cover Crop Economics: Opportunities to Improve Your Bottom Line in Row Crops, explores the economics of cover crops in corn and soybean rotations to help farmers answer that big question, when do cover crops pay?

Soil health measurement

A list of soil health measurements and sources for detailed descriptions

Cover crop recipes

The Midwest Cover Crops Council provides these “Cover Crop Recipes” to provide a starting point for farmers who are new to growing cover crops. They include resources specific to each Midwest state.

NRCS Soil Health Fact Sheets

View multiple soil health fact sheets compiled by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.