Missouri Department of Conservation Sign

Missouri Department of Conservation Protection Branch to launch new canine unit this summer

The Missouri Department of Conservation is set to launch a new canine unit through its Protection Branch this summer. The new unit, consisting of five dogs and their conservation agent-handlers, will be stationed around the state and used as necessary to work throughout Missouri. According to MDC, the capabilities of canines are extensive in conservation-related […]

USDA Sign

USDA awards MDC two partnership projects to enhance cropland acres, restore and protect sand prairies

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will continue initiatives to integrate conservation with agriculture practices and help restore and manage sand prairies after being awarded two partnership projects through the Natural Resources Conservation Service Regional Conservation Partnership Program. Through RCPP, conservation partners work in collaboration with NRCS to help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners throughout […]

Grundy County Courthouse Trenton Missouri

Grundy County Commission sign agreement for streambank stabilization project near Thompson River Bridge

The Grundy County Commission on April 27th signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the Natural Resources Conservation Service Streambank Stabilization project near the Thompson River Bridge on Highway 6. The agreement is with the Grundy County Industrial Development Corporation for providing local match funding in conjunction with the project. The county is the designated sponsor. […]

CRP Website Revised (Conservation Reserve Program website)

USDA expands and renews Conservation Reserve Program in effort to boost enrollment and address climate change

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA will open enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program with higher payment rates, new incentives, and a more targeted focus on the program’s role in climate change mitigation. Additionally, USDA is announcing investments in partnerships to increase climate-smart agriculture, including $330 million in 85 Regional Conservation Partnership Program […]

Century Farm

2021 Century Farm application deadline extended to June 1

In recognition of the Missouri Bicentennial, University of Missouri Extension will extend this year’s Century Farm application deadline to June 1. “With our partners the Missouri Farm Bureau and the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, we want to be sure every eligible farm family has an opportunity to apply in this special […]

Typical pen style CAFO ( Photo by Darrell Hoemann - Investigate Midwest)

Audio: United Hog Systems withdraws permit application to build CAFO in Livingston County

United Hog Systems, LLC has withdrawn its permit application to build a concentrated animal feeding operation in northern Livingston County. Presiding Commissioner Ed Douglas says the Livingston County Commission got word April 14th from the Department of Natural Resources. Douglas explains United Hog originally applied for a CAFO in February 2020 but withdrew that application. […]

(L-R): Abigail Neill, Morrissa Henley and Calvin Basham

NCMC students earn recognition at National Professional Agriculture Student Conference

Three agriculture students from North Central Missouri College participated in the National Professional Agriculture Student Organization Conference March 15-19.  The conference was hosted virtually this year.  Over 300 agriculture students from across the country competed in career program areas and participated in leadership workshops.  NCMC students who participated in the conference were:  Calvin Basham, Cowgill; […]

Pigs at a factory

Rural Iowa communities urge more factory-farm regulations

Advocates for family farms, rural neighborhoods, and the environment are asking Iowa lawmakers to find a more equitable balance between the interests of factory farms and of the communities they’re in.  Research has shown higher levels of nitrates and phosphorus in the water, as well as air quality issues, in communities with nearby concentrated animal feeding […]

Little Otter Creek Reservoir graphic

Groundbreaking ceremony set for Caldwell County’s Little Otter Creek Reservoir March 19, 2021

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Missouri, Caldwell County Commission, USACE, and Caldwell County SWCD will host a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the beginning of construction on the Little Otter Creek Reservoir on March 19th, 2021. After over two decades of planning, design, reviews, and permitting, the Little Otter Creek Reservoir will begin […]