New Grant Brings Conservation Program To Missouri Corn Growers

New Grant Brings Conservation Program To Missouri Corn Growers

)JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) - Precision Conservation Management (PCM), in collaboration with the Illinois Corn Growers Association (IL Corn), Kentucky Corn Growers Association, and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC), has received new grant funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to bolster regenerative agriculture practices. This grant is part of the $14.7 million NFWF awarded nationwide to advance soil health and improve water quality on working lands. It provides the first opportunity for Missouri farmers to participate in PCM.

"We are excited to bring the farmer-led Precision Conservation Management program to the Lower Grand and Salt watersheds in northern Missouri," says MCMC Chairman Brian Lehman. "This marks the first PCM region in our state, offering corn growers one-on-one assistance to identify conservation practices that fit their needs for positive environmental outcomes and long-term profitability. By providing access to technical resources for practices like cover crops, nutrient use efficiency, and tillage management, we are investing in healthier soils for future generations."

The awarded funds will expand PCM program availability to row crop farmers in northern Missouri, focusing on adopting cover crops, no-till, strip-till, and nitrogen fertilizer recommendations. Through this expansion, enrolled farmers will receive technical assistance, data analysis, and access to incentive programs that support their operations as they improve water quality and soil health in these watersheds.

"We are thrilled to receive this support from NFWF," said PCM Director Greg Goodwin. "By expanding our reach, we can help more farmers adopt profitable conservation practices that benefit both their bottom lines and the environment."

PCM was initially launched by IL Corn in 2015 as a farmer-focused program that provides customized, data-driven guidance on conservation practices to improve profitability and environmental outcomes. Through a unique collaboration with commodity groups and industry partners, PCM has already helped hundreds of farmers in Illinois, Nebraska, and Kentucky implement climate-smart farming strategies.

For more information on Precision Conservation Management, please visit precisionconservation.org.