Missouri's Targeted Conservation Approach

Missouri NRCS is adopting a Local Conservation Delivery approach to focus part of our Farm Bill resources on the most important locally identified resource concerns while maintaining statewide opportunities. This model strengthens our ability to achieve measurable conservation outcomes and ensures our efforts result in solving priority natural resource challenges.

Alignment with the Chief's Priorities and Vision

This approach directly supports NRCS leadership direction by:

• Outcome-based conservation and farmer empowerment – Targeted investments allow Missouri to measure progress toward clearly defined resource goals and deliver results that producers can see on the ground.
• Recentered field engagement – Local Working Groups and District Conservationist leadership guide decisions based on technical planning and local expertise.
• Strengthened partnerships – Partners and local stakeholders help identify priorities, align investments, and share responsibility for improving resource conditions.

What this Approach will Do

This approach directly supports NRCS priorities and puts farmers first by:

• Direct resources where they can create the greatest measurable improvements to locally identified resource problems.
• Reinvigorate Local Working Groups to define priorities and guide investments.
• Support holistic planning across all programs (EQIP, CSP, RCPP).
• Reduce unfunded workload and increase the likelihood that planned conservation is implemented.

Local Conservation Delivery and Local Working Groups

Local Working Groups are central to Local Conservation Delivery. Local Working Groups ensure program priorities reflect true local needs, bringing stakeholders meaningfully back to the table. When Local Working Group identified priorities guide project selection, conservation outcomes are more measurable, targeted, and locally relevant.