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.

Already enrolled? Log in here

Add an overline

Learn about the eight incentive payment programs

Sign-up Period: TBD

Conservation Fieldscapes

Program for small farms to implement conservation fieldscapes, comprised of at least three stacked conservation-smart practices that will serve as demonstration sites

$10,000 spread across 3-year contract

Regenerative Grazing

Incentive payment to implement regenerative grazing with biodiverse forage species, managed intensive grazing, and low-cost watering and fencing approaches

Payment per acre: $50

Silvopasture

Incentives available to plant trees on pastures, enhancing land with silvopasture – a practice that integrates trees, pasture, and livestock to provide shade, shelter, and other benefits.

Payment per tree (species dependent) $20-50

Nutrient Management and 4R Approach

Incentive payment to implement appropriate nutrient management practices that include use of the 4R nutrient stewardship approach, and split-nitrogen application

Payment per acre: $20

Diverse Covers

Add biodiversity with one of two fall-planted mixes before a non-legume cash crop such as corn, sorghum, or cotton.

Payment per acre: $40

Late Termination

Allow additional spring growth of cover crops by delaying termination until at least May 1.

Payment per acre: $15

Cover Crop Grazing

Combine livestock and row crops by allowing livestock to graze cover cropped fields.

Payment per acre: $20

Rye-Soy Cover Crops

Explore a proven system by planting cereal rye in the fall before a soybean crop.

Payment per acre: $30

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:

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).
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.
Implementation: The timeline for implementation and payments will be communicated to you if you are approved for the incentive program.
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.
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.

How much can a producer receive in incentive payments?

An individual entity can apply for up to $10,000 per practice per enrollment period.

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.

Missouri CRCL Project