By Blake Jackson
The University of Missouri Extension will host a free program on October 14 at the MU Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center in Mount Vernon. The afternoon event will focus on the use of native warm season grasses for both forage value and seed production.
“MU Extension field specialists will help participants decide how to choose a site for establishing native grasses and explore the species that would best suit their farm,” says MU Extension plant science specialist Caleb O’Neal.
The program will provide practical guidance for those seeking to overcome one of the biggest challenges in planting native grasses: the cost of seed. “We will discuss how to harvest and clean your own native grass seed for future plantings on the farm,” O’Neal says.
The event will also cover business opportunities for those considering native grass seed as an enterprise. Topics will include seed production methods, marketing strategies, and sales approaches for turning native grass seed into a viable farm product.
A highlight of the program will be a live demonstration. Participants will observe native grass harvesting and the seed cleaning process, offering them a clear understanding of how to manage grasses from field to finished seed.
Native warm-season grasses are valued not only for their adaptability and forage benefits but also for their potential to create new revenue streams through seed production. The program will give participants the tools to evaluate these options and apply them effectively to their operations.
By offering both educational presentations and hands-on demonstrations, MU Extension aims to provide attendees with practical knowledge they can apply immediately. The workshop reinforces the importance of native grasses in building resilience, improving forage systems, and supporting new opportunities in agriculture.
Photo Credit:university-of-missouri
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Hay & Forage, Weather