MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – Forage growers can learn how to improve pastures with warm-season grasses at a free workshop Feb. 11 in Mount Vernon, Mo.

University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist Tim Schnakenberg said the workshop focuses on warm-season grass options suited to southwestern Missouri.

Those attending will learn the benefits warm-season grasses offer for grazing, hay and wildlife. In addition, producers will learn how they provide better resilience during drought than other options.

“This workshop will cover many aspects of how to effectively use warm-season grasses such as big bluestem, Eastern gama grass, Indian grass, switchgrass, crabgrass and Bermuda grass on farms starting from establishment through their use for pasture or hay,” said Schnakenberg.

Speakers include Schnakenberg, Jay Steele of the Missouri Department of Conservation, and Mike and Drew Meier, who raise and use forage crabgrass in Monett.

The event is 5:30-8:30 p.m. at MU’s Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center, Mount Vernon.

The workshop is free, but participants are asked to preregister to ensure enough meals are available. To register, call 417-357-6812 or go to https://bit.ly/WSG2025 by Feb. 7.

The Native Grass Group, a joint effort of MU Extension and the Missouri Department of Conservation, sponsors the workshop.

Photo

https://extension.missouri.edu/sites/default/files/legacy_media/wysiwyg/News/photos/20250128-indiangrass-1.jpg
Forage growers can learn how to improve pastures with warm-season grasses at a Feb. 11 workshop at MU’s Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center. Photo courtesy of Tim Schnakenberg.