USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Missouri is accepting applications for funding to incorporate native forages in grazing systems.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program Native Forages Initiative allows producers and landowners to receive technical and financial assistance for the establishment of native forages by either renovating existing non-native forage for haying or grazing or converting cropland to native forage for haying or grazing. To help speed up the allocation process, NRCS is using its recently rolled out Act Now program.

The accelerated EQIP Act Now program enables NRCS to immediately approve a ranked application when an eligible application meets or exceeds a determined minimum ranking score.

NRCS in Missouri is accepting applications through Aug. 1. Applications submitted before that deadline will be assessed and ranked as soon as the applicant has made treatment decisions through a conservation plan.

Based on fund availability, applications meeting a minimum threshold will be preapproved immediately. NRCS is offering $459 to $511 per acre for this initiative.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is offering additional funding in select geographies. More information can be found at the EQIP – Native Forage Initiative website.

Information about NRCS programs and assistance is also available by visiting mo.nrcs.usda.gov or contacting your local NRCS county office.

Missouri Century Farm applications are open

Applications are now available to have your 100-year-old family farm named a Missouri Century Farm.

Guidelines used for the selection and recognition are as follows:

There is a fee of $140 to cover processing costs, one certificate, a booklet and one two-sided, 2-foot-by-2-foot metal sign that includes the University of Missouri and Missouri Farm Bureau logos for each approved farm. The application deadline is May 1.

Downloadable, mail-in forms are available upon request by visiting MU Extension. If you have questions, contact the Missouri Century Farms Coordinator at 573-882-7216 or email [email protected].

Here are questions that need to be answered for the online application:

Use the "upload" button at the end of the online application to save, print and send to the Missouri Century Farms coordinator.