ABC’s of USDA Programs Workshop

On March 1st, more than 30 area growers joined Cultivate KC and MU Extension to learn about resources available through the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Field staff from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) presented on the loans, grants, and cost-share programs. Many of the USDA agencies are working to adapt their resources and programs for urban and small-scale growers, with and emphasis on reaching historically underserved farmers and ranchers. If you missed the workshop, you can read through the presentation slides or reach out to your local USDA field office for more information.

Below you’ll find links to some of the handouts and resources that were shared at the workshop:

• USDA Urban Agriculture Programs at a Glance
• MU Extension
  • Commercial Horticulture Newsletter: https://bit.ly/MOCommHortNews
  • Educational classes/courses/events in KC: https://bit.ly/GardeningEd
• Getting started
  • Beginning Farmers and Ranchers program – https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/missouri-beginning-farmers
  • Short-term operating plan: https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/m202
    • What-If Farming: Online tool is an interactive budgeting resource: https://cafnr.missouri.edu/2013/01/what-if-farming/
  • K-State Extension: https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html
  • Growing Growers
    • Information: http://www.growinggrowers.org/
      • Join the listserv: growerskc@listserv.ksu.edu

With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), NRCS has more funding for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP MO/KS) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP MO/KS) contracts this year than at any time in the last decade. If you have considered signing up for either program, call your NRCS agent today and ask about applying for this year’s programs.

For farmers interested in Climate Smart Agriculture, review this list of NRCS climate smart practices. Applications for these practices may be more competitive than other applications this year.

Ranking dates for each program in your state have been updated. Please check your state’s ranking date here to be sure you get your application completed on time!