New stands of Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue should be growing well. Despite challenging establishment conditions last fall, most reports are of successful establishment. Prepare to remove spring growth by grazing several times or cutting for hay. If grazing, graze for a short time and not closer than 4 inches. Provide at least 3 weeks of rest after grazing. Be careful not to graze these stands in extremely wet conditions to avoid stand damage. If planning on cutting hay, cut earlier than normal and leave 6 inches of stubble to promote fast regrowth, tillering and ground coverage.
Evaluate pasture condition and consider pastures to be renovated in Fall of 2024. Take care to control seedheads by grazing and then clipping, or by cutting early hay. Reducing the production of tall fescue and ryegrass seed will be critical to getting a good stand of novel tall fescue next fall.
Once you have decided which pastures to renovate, make sure you get soil samples and make plans to apply lime and build nutrients well ahead of planting in the fall. If there are winter and summer weeds on this land control those plants so they don’t produce seed. The use of a broad spectrum broad leaf herbicide to control common weeds like buttercup, horsenettle and spiny pigweed will make for a more successful renovation.
Take time to study the forage options you have, including learning about the different types of Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue products available. If you plan on planting a mix, remember that Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue makes a very strong base for pasture mixes for the Tall Fescue Belt.
~ Matt Poore, NC State and 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 