Missouri Farmers Shifted to Native Grasses

A new statewide initiative is encouraging the adoption of native plant species to improve pasture resilience.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Landscaping

Screen-print poster illustration of tall native prairie grasses with exposed deep roots in soil, rendered in mustard, teal, and sage tones. — Missouri landowners are increasingly adopting native grass species to replace traditional fescue pastures, aiming to improve soil health and resilience against summer heat. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Is now a good time for local agricultural producers to prioritize native grass planting?

The Missouri Native Grasslands Collaborative has launched a campaign to promote planting native grass species over traditional non-native varieties. These grasses are better adapted to local heat and drought, offering a more sustainable option for state landowners.

Why it matters

Native grasses provide critical environmental benefits, including reduced chemical runoff and improved soil health. By replacing common fescue pastures, farmers can maintain higher quality feed during summer months without relying heavily on harvested hay.

Mark Green recently established 10.5 acres of native grasses, including Big bluestem and Indiangrass, which feature significantly deeper root systems than common tall fescue.

The players

Missouri Native Grasslands Collaborative

This organization leads statewide efforts to increase the adoption of native plant species in agricultural landscapes.

Mark Green

He is a farmer in Greene County who serves as a practical example for the implementation of native grassland restoration.

The details

Farmers are increasingly integrating these deep-rooted species to rest fescue pastures during extreme heat. By utilizing managed grazing patterns that move livestock daily, land managers aim to improve overall pasture quality for the autumn season.

Mark Green planted 10.5 acres of native grasses in spring 2025.
The native grasses reached full growth and grazing readiness by October 2026.

Culture Shift

This movement represents a departure from the historical dominance of tall fescue in Missouri, reflecting a broader agricultural pivot toward ecological sustainability. It signals a shift in land stewardship where farmers prioritize climate-resilient vegetation over traditional monocultures.

Landowners can reduce their reliance on store-bought hay by adopting these hardy grass varieties that thrive during local droughts. This transition requires a change in daily livestock management, specifically the implementation of structured, frequent grazing rotations.

The takeaway

Transitioning to native grasses offers a long-term solution for farmers seeking to mitigate the effects of summer heat and drought on their livestock. By aligning land use with the regional climate, managers can build more resilient, self-sustaining pastures.