Missouri Department of Conservation

Landowners and Farmers

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Landowners and Farmers

If you're a farmer, you help take care of millions of acres of fertile fields and woodlands. At the same time your living is based on chance—hailstorms can take crops and prices are unpredictable. We hope the topics in this section help you increase your odds for success while caring for your private-land wildlife habitat.

Alternative Watering Sources

Even with good herd genetics and excellent forage, water is still the most important factor in a livestock operation. More

Assistance Programs

Private landowners own more than 93 percent of all land and 85 percent of forest land in Missouri. To help care for these resources, the Missouri Department of Conservation offers a wide range of landowner assistance programs. More

Conserving Family Land

Find out how MDC works with land trusts to help landowners like you to conserve your land for the future. More

Endangered Species Q and A

Image of a western prairie fringed orchid
Get fast answers to frequently asked questions about endangered species on private land. More

Habitat Development and Improvement

Habitat improvements can include planting a food plot to attract a variety of wildlife or implementing a more specific plan to target an individual species’ needs. More

Land & Water Care YouTube Channel

habitat management
Visit our Land & Water Care channel on YouTube for dozens of short how-to videos on land- and water-management projects. More

Native Plants for Your Farm

Download this list to learn more about native plants for your farm. More

Private Landowner Packet

Whether you have one tree, a farm woodlot or whole forest to manage, you can depend on the Department of Conservation’s Forestry Division for help.  Missourians who want to improve their land for wildlife can gain valuable information from Country Land Care packets assembled by the Conservation Department. More

Root Plowing

A way to save hedgerows and increase crop yields More

Seedling Orders

Native trees, shrubs and woody vines can help you improve wildlife habitat and soil and water conservation on your land. Order seedlings from the George O. White State Nursery provides from Nov. 15 through April 30. More

Soil Testing

Soil fertility will determine the health, vigor, reproduction and often the size of animals and plants growing on it. More

Timber Stand Improvement

Download this illustrated, two-color, eight-page guide to learn how to improve your woodlot by cutting firewood. More

Related Information

  • Conservation Contractors

    As a convenience to landowners who are looking for practical help implementing forest, fish and wildlife practices on their land, we've created a list of conservation contractors.

  • Field GuideIdentify and learn more about the plants, animals and mushrooms near you.
  • Forest Management for Missouri Landowners

    This downloadable book is a first step toward getting more from your woodlands—whether you are interested in wildlife, wood products, recreation or scenery. It will give you guidelines for assessing your woodlot’s present condition and ideas for creating and maintaining a healthy forest that meets your objectives.

  • Free Publications

    Our free publications help Missouri landowners, homeowners, teachers and students improve their acres, learn about animals and plants, enjoy more fishing and hunting, attract fun-to-watch wildlife with native plants and get involved in special programs. Download this form to browse or order dozens of free publications from MDC's distribution center. Note: you must be a Missouri resident to receive our free printed publications.

  • Get InvolvedPut your mind, body and resources to work for what you love. Help us conserve Missouri's wildlife and their vital habitat. Browse this minisite for conservation volunteer and donation opportunities throughout the state.
  • How Old is That Tree?You don't need to cut down a tree and count its growth rings or use an increment borer to find out how old it is. You can make a fairly good estimate of a tree’s age using this simple formula published by the International Society of Arboriculture.
  • Missouri Stream Team

    The Stream Team program provides an opportunity for all interests to get involved in river conservation.

  • Periodical CicadasDon’t be alarmed when you see and hear armies of these big, loud insects emerge from the ground in May and start “singing” in the trees. Their appearance doesn’t last long—and while they can damage young trees, they don't create much impact on mature ones. This page helps you understand periodical cicadas, anticipate their appearance, plan outdoor events and protect young trees accordingly.

External Links

  • Land & Water Care YouTube Videos

    Visit our Land & Water Care channel on YouTube for dozens of short how-to videos on land- and water-management projects. Get tips on planting native warm-season grasses, establishing diverse quail habitat, building ephemeral pools, improving your woodlot and more.

  • Report Stream Pollution

    To report a chemical spill in Missouri, call the Department of Natural Resource's 24-hour environmental emergency hotline at 573-634-2436.

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MDC protects and manages the fish, forest, and wildlife resources.
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