What is the cost-share program?
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Soil and Water Conservation Districts Commission has developed this program to provide financial incentives to help farmers control soil erosion on their land.
“Cost-share can pay for up to 75 percent of the project cost,” explained Brad McKee, private land conservationist in Howell County. “Cost-share for state funding is on a first come first served bases. State funding becomes available July 1 but can be applied for at anytime.”
7 Cost Share Practice Categories
1 Sheet/Rill and Gully Erosion is the unwanted removal of soil from the land surface or through incised channels by the action of rainfall and runoff. This category includes: permanent vegetative cover establishment, permanent vegetative cover improvement, terrace systems, no till systems, windbreak/shelterbelt establishments, diversions and more.
2 Woodland Erosion is caused by the removal of soil or vegetation through livestock trampling or improper tree harvesting. These practices address concerns regarding soil erosion and water quality, by exclusion of livestock and by developing timber harvest plans. Practices in this category include: forest plantation, woodland protection through livestock exclusion, use exclusion, timber harvest plans and restoration of skid trails, logging roads, stream crossings and log landings.
3 Irrigation management is the artificial application of water to land to assist in the production of crops. Practices in this category include: irrigation systems (sprinkler, surface and subsurface, and tail water recovery), irrigation water conveyance, structure for water control and drainage water management.
4 Animal waste management practices help to manage manure and other agricultural wastes. Systems are planned to eliminate discharge of pollutants to surface or groundwater and to recycle waste products back onto the land through correct soil application. Practices in this category include: poultry, swine, dairy and beef waste management systems, incinerator and composting facility.
5 Sensitive areas are areas of agricultural land where current management has impacted erosion, surface water and ground water such as streams, sinkholes and springs. Practices in this category include: field border, filter strip, riparian forest buffer, sinkhole improvement, spring development buffer and more.
6 Nutrient and pest management demonstrates the environmental and economic advantages of following a nutrient management plan or pest management plan, and provides operators an incentive to encourage the adoption of new management techniques or technologies for applying commercial fertilizer, pesticide or herbicide.
7 Grazing management is used in pastureland where non-woody, permanent vegetative cover is established. These practices are designed to promote economically and environmentally sound agricultural land management on pastureland by demonstrating the best use of soil and water resources through the use of rotational grazing. Practices in this category include: permanent vegetative enhancement and planned grazing systems (water distribution, fence, lime and seed).
McKee recommended having a qualified technician look at your property before you begin the cost-share programs. “A technician will look at your pasture conditions and forestry conditions. We may see something the landowner never thought about,” concluded McKee.
For more information about the cost-share programs available contact your local DNR office or contact the state office at 800-361-4827.
