08/05/2024
Horse owners - Information on Tall Fescue
UK Forage News -
Pub of the Month –
Tall Fescue Novel Endophyte Varieties and Establishment for Livestock and Horse Farms AGR-207.
Posted on August 4, 2024
This publication outlines the value of novel endophyte tall fescue and provides an overview of the currently available varieties. Most importantly it provides clear guidelines for converting pastures from toxic to novel endophyte tall fescue during each season of the year. These basic guidelines are listed below.
Spring – Soil sample and remove/prevent tall fescue seedheads. Take soil sample in May or earlier. Follow lime and fertilizer recommendations from the soil test report. Mow the pasture closely in early May as soon as seedheads begin to elongate. Mow again in late May to remove any seedheads that escaped earlier mowing. Timely clipping is important since tall fescue seed can be viable 15-20 days after pollination and then will germinate in the fall, contaminating the new seedlings.
Mid-Late Summer – Apply broad spectrum herbicide like glyphosate to kill existing tall fescue stand before planting novel endophyte tall fescue or other forage grasses. Graze tall fescue heavily during late spring and summer, during periods of growth, stopping to allow regrowth to 4-5 inches in height. Apply glyphosate in mid to late July. Allow weeds and toxic tall fescue to germinate or re-grow. Re-apply glyphosate immediately before planting in early to mid-September.
Early Fall – Plant novel endophyte tall fescue seed. Using a no-till drill, plant a novel tall fescue variety by early to mid-September, after the last glyphosate application. Plant 20lb/a at a depth of ¼ to ½ in. To achieve better ground cover, set the drill to deliver 10 lb/a and go over field twice, with the second set of rows perpendicular to the first.
Late Fall and Early the Following Spring – New stand management. Apply 40 lb N/a in late fall and early spring to enhance stand establishment. Herbicides such as 2,4-D can be used to control broadleaf weeds after tall fescue seedlings have reached the 4-leaf stage (4-5 inches tall). Allow the tall fescue to become well established before grazing the following spring. Wait until plants are 8 inches tall and lightly graze or mow to a residual height of 4-5 in or simply cut for hay in the spring (4 in stubble height). Cool season grasses require 18 months to become fully established. Light grazing during the first season will allow for the development of a strong sod and dense stand that should last 10 to 15 years or more.
For the entire AGR-207 publication go to the UK Forage Website under “Establishment.”
