By Christine Charles and Broderick Raleigh
In February 2026, Michigan State University Extension partnered with the MSU Center for Regenerative Agriculture to offer a special webinar series on regenerative agriculture. These sessions brought together farmers, educators and landowners who are interested in healthier soils, stronger farms and more resilient rural communities.
The series introduced six key principles that guide regenerative agriculture. These principles focus on living roots in the soil, minimizing soil disturbance, increasing plant diversity, integrating livestock, and understanding your unique farm context. One important message from the series was clear: regenerative agriculture is not “one size fits all.” Every farm is different. Climate, soil type, crops, livestock and personal goals all matter. The goal of the webinar series was not to tell farmers exactly what to do, but to share ideas, examples and research to help guide decisions.
Native plants need to start somewhere: Opportunities for farmers in native seed production
As interest in pollinator habitat, prairie restoration and conservation plantings continues to increase, demand for native seed has outpaced supply. During the webinar, Meghan Milbrath, PhD, MSU pollinator specialist, and Jared Foster, owner of Native Connections Farm, discussed how farmers can help address this shortage while creating a potential new revenue stream.
Native plants are increasingly being used in pollinator habitats, conservation projects, roadsides, solar developments and ecosystem restoration efforts. At the same time, there is a growing need for locally adapted seed sourced from Michigan plant populations. Milbrath, in partnership with a network of Michigan growers and conservation professionals, is working to increase the availability of Michigan-grown native seeds and support local producers.
For farmers, native seed production can diversify income while improving habitat for pollinators and wildlife. Native seed crops may fit well on field edges, marginal land, or acres not suited for traditional crop production. Some growers produce seed under contract for established seed companies, reducing marketing responsibilities.
Choosing the right species
Native species vary in management requirements and market value.
Easier-to-manage species include:
- Big bluestem
- Indiangrass
- Switchgrass
- Virginia wildrye
- Canada wildrye
These grasses can often be managed using equipment and practices familiar to large acreage crop producers and can be harvested at field scale.
Higher-value species include:
- Milkweeds
- Lupine
- Asters
- Goldenrods
- Sedges
These crops often command higher prices but require more labor and management. Many also provide important habitats for rare butterflies and specialist pollinators.
Source : msu.edu