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MU/MDC Native Grass Extension Project

Cows grazing in a field of long grass.

Establishing and managing native grasses in Missouri

The MU/MDC Native Grass Extension Project and Native Grass Group are focused on implementing educational programs and demonstrations on the benefits of native warm-season grasses for forage production, wildlife habitat and conservation in Missouri.

MU/MDC Native Grass Extension Project logo

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways of providing habitat for wildlife and increasing livestock forage production throughout Missouri is through the proper use of pastures and grasslands. Grasslands provide many species of wildlife with food and protective cover, including nesting and brood-rearing habitat. Many species of grassland songbirds, as well as bobwhite quail, benefit from these habitats. Cottontail rabbits, wild turkey and numerous other species also benefit from this type of vegetation. In particular, establishing and managing native warm-season grasses provide excellent opportunities for grazing, haying and for improving wildlife habitat on your property. The MU/MDC Native Grass Project has been developed as a method for conducting educational programs, workshops, demonstrations and disseminating research-based information on the benefits of native grasses to landowners in Missouri.

An MU/MDC Native Grass Group, made up of interested MU Extension Field Specialists and Missouri Department of Conservation Private Land Conservationists, has been created to facilitate and conduct educational programs that feature the establishment and management of native warm-season grasses for livestock forage production, including for use in grazing systems and for hay. The collaborative effort combines the expertise of both MU Extension and MDC in promoting the adoption of native grasses for economic and conservation benefits.

Videos

Benefits of native grasses for grazing, haying wildlife and soil health

Native Forages for Missouri Livestock Producers: Production and Wildlife Benefits

Native warm season grasses: overcoming establishment issues

Native warm season grasses: worth a second look

Establishment Techniques for Native Warm Season Grasses

Seed Purchase

Planting Techniques for Native Warm Season Grasses

Native Warm Season Grass Stand Evaluation Techniques

Native Warm Season Grass Management Techniques

Techniques for Conducting a Prescribed Burn

Publications

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Native Warm-Season Grass Planning Budget

Publication date: Sept. 1, 2023

Ryan MilhollinAssistant Extension Professor, Agricultural Business and PolicyDrew KientzyResearch Analyst, Agricultural Business and PolicyUsing this budget, farmers can estimate the costs and returns of establishing native warm-season grass (NWSG) ...

Native Forage: A Guide to Getting the Most From Your Grazing Operation

Publication date: May 1, 2021

Missouri Department of ConservationMissouri Quail ForeverMFA Inc.USDA Natural Resources Conservation ServiceMDC/MU Extension Native Grass GroupLearn the benefits of using native forages in your grazing operation. Adding a diversity of native ...

Missouri Grazing Manual

Publication date: July 1, 2020

$20.00

James R. GerrishCollege of Agriculture, Food and Natural ResourcesCraig A. RobertsCollege of Agriculture, Food and Natural ResourcesThis manual is designed to acquaint readers with the principles on which successful grazing management is based. This ...

Using Native Warm-Season Grass, Forb and Legume Mixtures for Biomass, Livestock Forage and Wildlife Benefits: A Case Study

Publication date: Dec. 1, 2017

Robert A. Pierce II, Fisheries and Wildlife State Specialist, School of Natural ResourcesRay L. Wright, Research Specialist, MU South Farm Research CenterClark J. Gantzer, Professor, MU School of Natural ResourcesTim M. Reinbott, Assistant Director, ...

Establishing Mixtures of Native Warm-Season Grasses and Forbs for Potential Biomass, Forage and Wildlife Habitat

Publication date: Dec. 1, 2017

Robert A. Pierce II, Fisheries and Wildlife State Specialist, School of Natural ResourcesRobert Kallenbach, Professor, Division of Plant Sciences, MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural ResourcessTim Reinbott, Assistant Director, MU Agricultural ...

Establishing and Managing Early Successional Habitats for Wildlife on Agricultural Lands

Publication date: Aug. 1, 2012

 A case study featuring habitat practices designed to benefit bobwhite quail conducted at the University of Missouri Bradford Research CenterRobert A. Pierce II, Extension Fisheries and Wildlife Specialist, School of Natural ResourcesTim Reinbott, ...

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Resources

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Missouri Department of Conservation: Native warm season grasses for grazing and wildlife

Adding native warm-season grasses to pasture systems has resulted in increased gains on yearling cattle and improved performance of cow-calf herds during the summer when cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) stop growing.

Missouri Department of Conservation: Grassland management

Many species of wildlife use grasslands for food, cover, and nesting. The greater prairie chicken, upland sandpiper, and meadowlark are but a few of the many species that are almost totally dependent on open grasslands for their habitat requirements. ...

University of Tennessee, The Center for Native Warm Season Grasslands Management

The Center for Native Grasslands Management (CNGM) was opened in 2006 by the University of Tennessee to provide the scientific background needed by producers and land managers to enable them to effectively establish and manage native grasslands.

Integrating Wildlife Considerations with Livestock Grazing (PPTX)

There are many opportunities for establishing and managing food and cover to provide wildlife habitat on lands both in and out of production. In this presentation will we review a few wildlife habitat management techniques you can use on lands not in ...

Native warm season grasses benefit livestock and wildlife (PPTX)

A presentation on how managing grazing fields, specifically warm-season grasses, can benefit not only livestock but wildlife as well.

Center for Native Grasslands Management

The Center for Native Grasslands Management provides a scientific background to producers and land managers, enabling them to effectively establish and manage native grasslands. High research priorities include forage production, restoration of ...

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