NRCS + MU Grasslands Project

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Improving grassland sustainability in Missouri

The NRCS + MU Grasslands Project was formed in 2017 as a collaboration between two organizations: the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and University of Missouri Extension (MU).

This cooperative project combines experts from both organizations to provide technical advice and education on grazing plans, soil health, native warm-season grasses and National Resource Inventory (NRI). The goal of the NRCS + MU Grasslands Project is to improve grassland sustainability in Missouri while strengthening, increasing and encouraging the voluntary approach and participation of private landowners in NRCS programs.

Work on this agreement (PDF) supports Farm Bill conservation programs such as the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

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Events and online courses

Cows in a pasture grazing

August 6, 2025 - August 8, 2025

Grazing School - Douglas & Ozark Counties
Cow and calf in a pasture

August 14, 2025

4th Annual Crop and Forage Chat
Hay

August 15, 2025

Howell County Hay School
freshly cut crops with sunsetting

August 18, 2025

Building Drought Resilience on the Farm: Conservation Tools and Planning

Resources

"We're Still in a Drought" Ozark Farmers Struggle to Feed Cattle

The University of Missouri extension council organized meetings to give farmers ways to survive the drought with programs focused on how to supplement low-quality hay, alternative food options and assessing prices.

Add Summer Annual to Grazing Rotation for More Profit

"Whether cattle producers keep calves for 60 days after weaning prior to sale or graze the calves as stockers prior to feedlot entry cheap gain is key to operation profitability," says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension regional livestock specialist. As producers wean fall calves in mid-to late spring, cool season grasses begin to lose their quality. This results in lower calf performance.

Adding Grass

The Ozarks is primarily fescue country, but as producers seek new ways to diversify their farms in a sustainable and productive manner, developing stands of native warm-season grasses is worth the time and investment. Tim Schnakenberg, field specialist in agronomy with the University of Missouri Extension, and one of eight specialists with the NRCS Plus MU Grasslands Project, has a deep appreciation for native grasses and what they can bring to the pasture.

Adding Red Clover to Pasture Reaps Benefits

Red clover is a short-lived perennial legume, which is widely utilized in Missouri. It is well adapted to the soil and climate of the Midwest. Clover is easy to establish in cool season grass pastures and hay fields because it can withstand shading during the seedling stage better than most other legumes. A mixed cool season grass-clover stand reduces the concern for bloat and can be maintained longer than a pure red clover stand.

Natural Resources Conservation Service logo.
Natural Resources Convservation Service
The NRCS offers education, assistance, resources and more to help landowners conserve our nation’s resources.

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