Missouri CRCL Project

Missouri CRCL Project

Incentive payments that support adoption of conservation practices for Missouri producers

The Center for Regenerative Agriculture at the University of Missouri has received a $25 million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to lead the Missouri CRCL Project.  Over the course of five years, this project will assist Missouri producers by providing incentive payments that encourage the adoption of a wide range of conservation practices to create more resilient crop and livestock systems. To reach a wide range of farmers, we’re introducing eight tailored incentive payment initiatives.

The Missouri CRCL Project is led by the Center for Regenerative Agriculture at the University of Missouri, in collaboration with 14 partners from across the state. This joint effort will increase access to technical assistance and resources to help farmers adopt conservation practices.

Have questions about the Missouri CRCL Project? Contact our team at mocrcl@missouri.edu.

Already enrolled? Log in here

Missouri CRCL Project Cover Crop Programs

Four unique cover crop incentive programs support the use of fall-planted cover crops. This includes two planting incentives and two for cover crop management incentives:

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

Enrollment is first-come, first-serve from June 1, 2026 through July 10, 2026.

Learn More
A close-up view of tall green cover crop grasses growing densely. An orange banner at the bottom reads “Cover Crop Programs” with a black arrow icon.

Closed for enrollment.

Enrolled producers can still access requirements for reporting and more.

A black-and-white chicken stands near a coop and wire fencing in a shaded outdoor farm area with trees and vegetation. An orange banner at the bottom reads “Conservation Fieldscapes” with a black arrow icon.

Conservation Fieldscapes

A close-up view of a cow standing in a grassy pasture, with other cattle grazing in the background. An orange banner at the bottom reads “Regenerative Grazing” with a black arrow icon.

Regenerative Grazing

Cattle graze on green grass among scattered trees in a lightly wooded pasture, demonstrating livestock integrated with woodland. An orange banner at the bottom reads “Silvopasture” with a black arrow icon.

Silvopasture

A tractor pulls planting equipment across a grassy field under a clear blue sky. An orange banner at the bottom reads “Nutrient Management” with a black arrow icon.

Nutrient Management and 4R Approach

What is the application and award process?

Each practice will have its own annual deadline and application process. Farmers who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for their program of interest using the web-based Missouri CRCL Project application powered by Farmraise, a digital platform that connects farmers to funding opportunities and financial tracking services.

Please note that this is free for CRCL Project applicants and a paid membership is NOT required.

The general application process includes:

  1. Application: Use the Missouri CRCL application to create an account and apply for the incentive program you are interested in.  The application can be found on the webpage of the program you are interested in (see photo tiles above).
  2. Decision: Some practices operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The respective team responsible for each program will review applications and send notification to the email address associated with the application.
  3. Implementation: The timeline for implementation and payments will be communicated to you if you are approved for the incentive program.
  4. Confirm practice implementation and provide reporting information. Once the practice is implemented, you must provide proof of completion and submit other required documentation. These details will vary by individual program – review the program subpages linked above for more information or reach out to mocrcl@missouri.edu for help.
  5. Receive payment. Once you have provided all of the requested information, the University of Missouri will issue payment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if I am eligible?

Eligibility criteria can be found here. Individual programs may have additional criteria beyond what is listed on the eligibility page. Review the details on the program sub-pages for more information or contact our team at mocrcl@missouri.edu with questions.

Where can I find the application?

The application is only available online, and can be found on the individual webpage for the practice you are interested in. Scroll to the top of the page and click the photo icon for your program of interest to find this page. Read through the program criteria first, and then you will find the link to the application at the bottom of the page. You will be asked to create an account first, and then you will be able to see the application.

I submitted an application, but realized I made a mistake. Can I revise my application?

If you want to make changes to your applications, please contact us at mocrcl@missouri.edu. We will help you revise your application.

Do I need to create a user account in the Missouri CRCL Project Application in order to apply for the incentive payments?

Yes. You will apply for an account through the Missouri CRCL Project’s FarmRaise application. This will allow you to start, save and submit applications, track your application status, and is where you will upload the verification information required for participation. If you are new user, sign up here.

Who is FarmRaise and how is my data being handled?

FarmRaise is a digital platform that connects farmers to funding opportunities and financial tracking services. Data gathered during your participation will be used solely for the purposes of the Missouri CRCL Project and will not be shared with third parties.

What do I need to do to receive a payment?

Please note that this project is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) Partnerships for Climate-smart Commodities program. The USDA requires that we collect additional information regarding your farm and farm practices. This information will be gathered before being issued your payment.

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