SHELBYVILLE, Mo. — Shelby County farmers have until Friday, Nov. 6, to apply for consideration in the next round of federal conservation funding, with Upper Crooked Creek specifically included among Missouri’s targeted watersheds.
The deadline covers fiscal year 2027 funding through the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Applications are accepted throughout the year, but producers seeking consideration in this round should meet Friday’s cutoff.
Upper Crooked Creek is listed under the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative. Its designated watershed identification number is 071100050401.
Available programs include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Stewardship Program and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.
EQIP provides technical and financial assistance for concerns including erosion, soil health and water quality. Statewide initiatives also include native forage, virtual fencing, agroforestry and wildlife habitat.
CSP supports additional conservation on working farms. Missouri will use an accelerated approval process for applications meeting the state’s minimum ranking score.
Easement options address agricultural land protection and restoration of degraded wetlands.
NRCS encourages producers to discuss their operation and applicable opportunities with a local field office. Landowners should confirm whether their property falls within a targeted watershed.
USDA pasture file photo by Ryan Thompson. Public domain.
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