At this time all novel fescue should be planted, as recommended by all states in the tall fescue belt. This year, due to the dry weather, many farmers delayed past normal planting dates, waiting for moisture. The Alliance for Grassland Renewal recommended holding off on seeding if soil was excessively dry until a “trigger” date at which all seed should go in the ground. The final trigger date for the southern regions of the fescue belt was set at November 15, so if you have not planted yet, get that seed in the ground in the next several days.
Once the seed is in the ground, monitor it periodically to look for germination. Of course, if you planted on time and had some moisture then this all started a month ago. If you have some moisture, germination should happen in about 5 to 8 days. If it is dry, then rest assured that the seed will wait on moisture and then will germinate. Also, look for weed seedlings and start planning on your spraying program if you find some. Check back periodically on the stand, but don’t obsess about it because there is really nothing you can do this month unless irrigation is an option for you. Be encouraged if you see seedlings, but don’t be too discouraged if the new stand is spott; things will improve when moisture is available. If you do have access to irrigation then apply a significant amount of water (1 inch) to get germination, and then again to maintain a reasonable rate of growth.
If you have not tested your hay, take samples and have them analyzed. Forage testing is one of the most underutilized resources there is. Whether you sell hay or use it yourself, testing forage is the only way to reliably feed a balanced ration. There is also a growing premium market for Novel Endophtye Tall Fescue Hay, and providing a nutrient test is another added value you can offer your customers.
~ Matt Poore, NC State and Chair of the Alliance for Grassland Renewal
The Alliance for Grassland Renewal is a national organization focused on enhancing the appropriate adoption of novel endophyte tall fescue technology through education, incentives, self-regulation and promotion. For more resources or to learn more about the Alliance for Grassland Renewal, go to www.grasslandrenewal.org
The Alliance for Grassland Renewal 