Native Warm-Season Grass Planning Budget

Editor’s note
The following abstract describes a publication that is only available as a downloadable PDF.

See the Native Warm-Season Grass Planning Tool (XLSX) for related information.

Ryan Milhollin
Assistant Extension Professor, Agricultural Business and Policy

C. Tim Schnakenberg
Field Specialist in Agronomy

Carson Roberts
Assistant Research Professor, Forage Agronomy

Katie Neuner
Field Specialist in Agricultural Business

Drew Kientzy
Research Analyst, Agricultural Business and Policy

Using this budget, farmers can estimate the costs and returns of native warm-season grass (NWSG). Table 1 presents estimates for replacing forage stands with NWSG in Missouri. Assumptions were based on price forecasts in October 2025. The NWSG mix used in this budget includes big bluestem, indiangrass, little bluestem and forbs. The mix was assumed planted in a dormant season. Multiple years are needed for NWSG stands to reach full forage yield. Seeding mixes are designed to enhance wildlife habitat and meet eligibility for cost share practices. Use the “Your estimate” column to plan your operation’s costs and returns for NWSG.

This publication was supported by the MU/MDC Native Grass Extension Project.

Topics

• Warm-season pasture
• Crop budget
• Farm budget

Pages

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