University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Patrick Davis recently spoke out about fescue ahead of the spring grazing season. He noted that it may be beneficial for cattle producers to wait for fescue to grow more before allowing their cattle to begin the grazing process.
“After a long winter of feeding hay, producers are anxious to turn cattle into the fescue pasture,” Davis said. “However, it is better to wait until fescue grows to heights of 3 to 8 inches before letting cattle onto fescue pastures.”
There are several reasons why proper forage height is necessary, according to Davis. First, there is a risk of fescue toxicosis in the event that it is consumed by cattle before reaching a proper height. Ergot alkaloid levels are most toxic in the first two inches of fescue, hence, waiting for it to grow out can be safer for cattle.
Strong root systems are another benefit of allowing fescue to grow in height prior to grazing. Allowing cattle to graze too early may eventually result in thinner grass stands and thus, more weeds.
Finally, Davis recommends planning accordingly for grazing fescue.
“As the grazing season begins, planning is important so that you manage the fescue at the proper height to help ensure adequate animal performance and plant persistence,” Davis said.
Keeping fescue at a 3-to-8-inch rotational grazing system allows better control of grazing pressure and height than in a continuous grazing system.