News

MO NRCS has cover crop funds for flooded farmers

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Missouri has $1-Million-dollars available for farmers to plant cover crops on flooded out croplands after the waters recede.

George Henshaw, assistant state conservationist for programs with Missouri NRCS, tells Brownfield Ag News, “We requested some additional funding through our EQIP program to help with what’s going on with the flooding here in Missouri. So, these are additional funds over and above what we normally would receive.”

Henshaw says it’s for farmers in the 13 counties in the Presidential Disaster Declaration, “This might, in the grand scheme of things, might seem like a small consolation during this difficult time. But at least by making this available, the farmer can protect his land from further erosion and restore soil health by establishing a cover crop on the land.”

Farmers approved for the funding will be allowed to graze the cover crop but not harvest or cut it for hay. Henshaw advises farmers to check with their crop insurance agents about any effects on prevented planting requirements. Farmers can apply through their local NRCS offices.