Soil and Water Conservation Program
The Missouri Soil and Water Conservation Program assists farmers and landowners with soil and water conservation by providing partial reimbursement for a number management practices. These voluntary practices are designed to address areas such as grazing, irrigation, woodland, pest and nutrient management, animal waste, ground and surface water, and soil erosion. With 50 different practices available, the Missouri Soil and Water Conservation Program can help farmers and landowners with a variety of common issues.
This Missouri Soil and Water Conservation Program supports a soil and water conservation district in each of Missouri’s 114 counties. Each district provides technical and financial assistance, education and best practices to local farmers and landowners.
The Soil and Water Conservation Program is funded by the Parks, Soils and Water sales tax which has been voter-approved for over 30 years. Since the initial passage of the Parks, Soils and Water sales tax, Missouri has prevented more than 179 million tons of soil erosion improving the state’s water quality and keeping farmland productive.
Find information about your local Missouri Soil and Water District online.
Cover Crop Policy
Reduce erosion, improve water quality and soil health by planting cover crops. More...
Assistance offered by the Soil and Water Conservation Program
Cost-Share Program
This program provides incentives for landowners to install conservation practices that prevent or control excessive erosion and protect water quality. Landowners can receive up to 75 percent of the estimated cost of the practice to be reimbursed after the practice has gone through a certification process. For your convenience we have information on how to begin a cost-share practice, online.
District Grants
Each of the 114 soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) in Missouri receives a district grant to hire personnel, fund technical assistance and provide information and education programs.
Research and Monitoring
The department’s Soil and Water Conservation Program also provides funding for university research. The program receives no general revenue funding for soil and water conservation efforts.
Section 319 Nonpoint Source Implementation Program
Mission Statement
The mission of the Soil and Water Conservation Program is to administer the policies and general programs developed by the Soil and Water Districts Commission for the saving of Missouri soil and water through the soil and water conservation districts in their work with landowners.
The primary funding for these cost-share practices comes from the one-tenth-of-one-percent parks, soils and water sales tax, which is shared by the Department of Natural Resources’ Soil and Water Conservation Program and the Division of State Parks.