Assistance Guidelines
When a landowner approaches our office concerning a conservation need, we will further help identify and refine resource concerns, develop a comprehensive map identifying fields and water resources, and help identify objectives. Soil tests are required to more accurately identify land condition. We will then work with the landowner in designing a conservation plan that will address resource concerns. The conservation plan is then approved by the landowner, NRCS staff, and district board. Once a plan has been developed, applicable state cost share practices are offered to assist the land user. Most practices qualify for a 75% cost share. After the application is made and approved by the district board, the land user will be notified. Once notified, the land user may begin purchasing materials and implementing the plan.
Loan Interest Share
Missouri offers a unique program that refunds the indirect costs of interest on loans used for soil conservation and is particularly beneficial to landowners building an animal waste management system. Operators who are not landowners may use the program to purchase no-till equipment. The program refunds a portion of the interest expense on loans used either to reduce erosion or to reduce the potential for erosion. Landowners who are able to secure loans through traditional lending institutions may apply to their local soil and water conservation district for program assistance. The application must be signed by the applicant and lending institution. The application must then be approved by the local board and state commission.
To qualify, a landowner must have a minimum loan of $2,500.00. The maximum is $25,000.00. The maximum length of time that a loan may be scheduled in the program is 10 years (five years for equipment purchases). The state refunds a portion of the landowner's interest expense at the end of each year of program participation. Each year, the lender must certify that interest was paid, and the district must certify the specified practices are being maintained and that management requirements have been met.