(Columbia, MO, October 1, 2026) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to put Farmers First through a historic investment in conservation on agricultural lands through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as a result of the conservation funding provided by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. 

“Producers across Missouri have a deep understanding of their land and demonstrate a long‑standing commitment to responsible stewardship,” said Nate Goodrich, State Conservationist. “NRCS remains dedicated to supporting that commitment by providing science‑based technical assistance and conservation programs designed to strengthen agricultural operations while improving natural resource conditions statewide. We encourage producers to review the available opportunities and engage with their local NRCS field office to determine the conservation approaches that best align with their long‑term operational goals.”

While NRCS accepts applications year‑round, interested agricultural producers in Missouri should apply by November 6, 2026, to be considered for fiscal year 2027 funding. Programs include:

• Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): The Agricultural Land Easement component of ACEP enables producers to protect their agricultural land from development by enrolling it in a permanent Agricultural Land Easement. The Wetland Reserve Easement component of ACEP helps landowners protect, restore and enhance wetlands which have been previously degraded due to agricultural uses.
• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): CSP helps producers enhance existing conservation efforts while strengthening their operations. For Fiscal Year 2027, Missouri will use the ACT NOW process, which allows NRCS to preapprove applications that meet or exceed the state’s minimum ranking score. This streamlined approach accelerates funding decisions and enables producers to begin conservation improvements sooner.
• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): EQIP provides producers with the technical and financial resources they need to address resource concerns on their land, including improved water and air quality, increased soil health, reduced soil erosion, improved natural vitality, and more. 

Missouri NRCS will focus on the following targeted initiatives for this initial EQIP batching period:  

• Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI) 
  • Spring/Turkey/Long Creek watershed (HUC12, 102801031302, 102801031301, 102801031204, Linn, Sullivan, Chariton Counties)
    • Fox River watershed (HUC12, 071100010301, 071100010306, Clark County)
    • Ash Ditch/Maple Slough watershed (HUC12, 080103000308, 080103000306, New Madrid, Scott, Mississippi Counties)
    • Headwaters of East Locust Creek watershed (HUC12, 102801030601, Putnam, Sullivan Counties)
    • Upper Crooked Creek watershed (HUC12, 071100050401, Shelby County)
    • Otter Creek watershed (HUC12, 102801011502, Caldwell County)
    • Sni-a-bar watershed (HUC 12, 103001010502, 103001010504, 103001010506, Jackson, Johnson, and Lafayette Counties)
• National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) 
  • Shoal Creek watershed (HUC12, 110702070803, 110702070801, 110702070706, 110702070703, Barry and Newton Counties)
• Working Lands for Wildlife – Northern Bobwhite Quail(statewide) 
• Working Lands for Wildlife – Monarch Butterfly(statewide) 
• Organic Agriculture(statewide)
• Agroforestry(statewide) 
• Native Forage Initiative(statewide)
• Virtual Fence Initiative(statewide)
• Urban Agriculture – Kansas City
• Pasture/Hayland/Wildlife Habitat Improvement (Pettis Co. North of 50 hwy. and West of 65 hwy., Johnson Co. North of 50 hwy. and East of 13 hwy.) 
• Osage Energy Conservation Project (Osage Co.)
• Varney River Irrigation Efficiency Project (Dunklin Co., HUC12, 080202030604)
• Greene Co. Urban Ag Initiative (Designated Area of Greene County in and around Springfield)
• Central Ozarks Glade Restoration Project (Howell, Ozark, Taney, and Wright Counties)

NRCS is also providing additional financial assistance nationwide through the Regenerative Pilot Program (RPP), which enables producers to implement whole‑farm regenerative practices through a single application for EQIP and CSP. RPP is part of USDA’s commitment to putting Farmers First and advancing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda by building a healthier, more resilient food system. 

Additionally, producers can apply to participate in a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project. For Fiscal Year 2027, the James River Headwaters RCPP project and Program Restoring & Improving Monarch Ecosystems (PRIME) in Missouri is eligible, with applications due by November 6, 2026, for participants located in the project area and addressing specified resource concerns. 

For more than 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat. NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one‑on‑one technical advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive‑based conservation programs. For more information, visit https://www.mo.nrcs.usda.gov.