Rep. Jason Smith visited Hamilton Native Outpost in Elk Creek last Saturday to view the outpost operations and hear about the industry and issues the business is facing.
Smith spoke with owners Amy and Rex Hamilton, their son, Colt Hamilton, and seed processing manager Mike Motzkus.
“I appreciate the Hamiltons taking the time and showing me first-hand just how they are using Missouri’s native grasses to add value to farmers’ beef cattle herds,” Smith said. “For 33 years they have been growing and cultivating native grass and wildflower seeds and turned it into a business they are passionate about. The research being conducted at Hamilton Native Outpost has the potential to benefit farmers across Missouri and incorporate a unique twist on utilizing our own native grasses and wildflowers.”
Over the years, the Hamiltons have continued to expand their operations, and today Hamilton Native Outpost has several hundred acres of native grass and wildflower seed production. In 2012, the Hamilton’s planted 99 different species of native grass and wildflowers on their property and have been experimenting with different management techniques and grazing patterns for the last five years.
Recently, they have conducted field research on whether farmers can add value to beef cattle herds by feeding cattle diverse native grasses instead of the traditional fescue. Their preliminary findings suggest that allowing cattle to graze on native grasses may make beef cattle more productive than even the top performing feed.
Smith is spending two weeks visiting different farming operations throughout southeast and south central Missouri. He will cover nearly 3,000 miles while crisscrossing all 30 counties in Missouri’s 8th District. In addition to hearing directly from the families and farmers about the operations they are running, the farm tour will also highlight the diversity, importance and prominence of agriculture in Missouri’s 8th Congressional District.