Preparing Organic Fields for a Wetter, Colder Winter in Missouri: A Research-Informed Approach to Ecosystem Resilience
December 5, 2025
Across Missouri, farms of all sizes contribute to the state’s agricultural backbone. The NRCS programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture offer practical technical
guidance and financial assistance to help producers implement conservation and regenerative practices that fit their operations.
For the first time, NRCS has established one national application deadline for 2026 funding across most of its major conservation programs. This streamlined approach helps eliminate confusion and ensures farmers nationwide—including right here in Missouri—have equal access to these important resources.
-Key Deadline: January 15
Missouri growers interested in NRCS financial assistance should mark their calendars. January 15 is the national deadline to apply for the following programs:
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
- Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
- Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)
-Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA)
This deadline also applies to NRCS’s new Regenerative Pilot Program, which is delivered through EQIP and CSP.
NRCS Regenerative Pilot Program
In December 2025, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) launched the Regenerative Pilot Program, a farmer-first, outcomes-based conservation initiative that reinforces the agency’s core mission: helping people help the land. Through this effort, NRCS is committing $700 million to expand regenerative agriculture nationwide, including:
- $400 million through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
- $300 million through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
This pilot program is designed to address whole-farm resource concerns by supporting voluntary regenerative conservation plans that consider the farm as an integrated system rather than a collection of individual practices.
The program also recognizes farmers as essential partners in building a healthier food system. By supporting regenerative management, NRCS is helping increase access to American-grown, whole foods, an important step toward improving public health and addressing the nation’s chronic disease challenges.
Why This Matters for Missouri Farms
From row crops and livestock operations to specialty crops and organic farms, Missouri agriculture is diverse. NRCS programs are flexible and locally informed, meaning conservation plans are developed with Missouri’s soils, watersheds, and farming systems in mind.
Whether you’re looking to:
- Improve soil health and water quality
- Reduce input costs over time
- Enhance drought and flood resilience
- Support long-term farm viability
NRCS programs can provide both financial support and expert technical guidance to help you
reach your goals.
Get Started Now
If you’re interested in applying, don’t wait until the deadline. The application process often includes working with NRCS staff to develop a conservation plan, and starting early gives you the best chance of success.
