COLUMBIA, Mo., August 15, 2025 – The Missouri Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Acting State Conservationist Nate Goodrich has announced Oct. 3, 2025, as the cut-off date to apply for the next available funding opportunity in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 for Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Classic and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Initiatives.  

“NRCS can help producers develop a conservation plan that meets their goals and can often help with financial assistance to implement management and structural practices in their conservation plan,” said Acting Assistant State Conversationist for Programs Lauren Cartwright. 

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) 

As the nation's leading conservation program in terms of participating land, CSP helps farmers and ranchers protect our natural resources while enhancing the long-term sustainability of their operations. By adopting cutting-edge conservation practices, participants can boost yields, reduce costs and contribute to a healthier environment. 

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) empowers agricultural producers and forest landowners to enhance their operations while safeguarding the environment. By actively managing, maintaining and expanding conservation activities like cover crops, ecologically based pest management, buffer strips and pollinator and beneficial insect habitat, participants can earn payments while ensuring the long-term sustainability of their land. CSP also encourages the adoption of innovative technologies and management practices, such as precision agriculture, improved grazing systems, on-site carbon sequestration and soil health-enhancing amendments. 

While applications are accepted throughout the year, interested producers should submit applications to their local NRCS office by Oct. 3, 2025, to ensure their operations are considered for FY26 funding.  

To be eligible, contract participants must meet Farm Bill Program eligibility in conjunction with the Farm Service Agency, which includes meeting the highly erodible land and wetland compliance requirements and the adjusted gross income limits. 

Applicants must also: 

• Control or own eligible land;
• Develop an NRCS CSP plan of operations;
• Provide a map(s) that identifies and delineates the boundaries of all eligible land uses and acres included in their operation; and
• Identify any ineligible land that is part of their operation. 

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) 

EQIP provides voluntary technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners to address natural resource concerns, such as: 

• Improving Water Quality
• Increasing Soil Health
• Reducing Erosion
• Improving or creating wildlife habitat
• Mitigating against drought and increasing weather volatility
• Addressing degraded Plant Condition 

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

• Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative in the following geographic locations:
• 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)
• National Water Quality Initiative in the following geographic locations:
• Shoal Creek watershed (HUC12, 110702070803, 110702070801, 110702070706, 110702070703, Barry, Newton Counties)
• Upper Middle Petite watershed (HUC12, 103001020403, 103001020405, Cooper County)
• Working Lands for Wildlife-Northern Bobwhite Quail (statewide)
• Working Lands for Wildlife-Monarch Butterfly (statewide)
• Agroforestry (statewide)
• Organic Agriculture (statewide)
• Native Forage Initiative (statewide)
• Virtual Fence Initiative (statewide)
• Urban Agriculture (Kansas City) 

Applications can be turned in to NRCS Missouri USDA Service Centers.  To locate an office near you,  visit farmers.gov/service-locator. Applications are accepted year-round, but applications MUST be received in your local service center by 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct.3, 2025, to be considered for funding for this initial batching period.  

For more information about NRCS programs and assistance, visit the NRCS Missouri website or contact your local service center. NRCS employees in county offices can provide more information about programs and how to apply.