Tall Fescue

Tall fescue is a versatile, cool-season perennial bunchgrass that ranks among the top pasture and forage grasses in the United States. Originally introduced from Europe, it has earned its place on farms and ranches nationwide thanks to its remarkable adaptability, robust growth habit, and reliable forage production.

Agronomic Characteristics

Growth Habit: Forms dense, upright clumps that can reach up to six feet in height under ideal conditions.

Soil & Climate Tolerance: Thrives in a wide range of soil textures—from sandy loams to heavier clay soils—and tolerates pH from 5.5 to 7.5. Performs well across temperature extremes, from cool spring days to hot summer afternoons.

Endophyte-Free Assurance: Unlike older, endophyte-infected varieties that can produce livestock toxicosis, our pasture-type tall fescue is 100% endophyte-free, ensuring safe grazing for cattle, sheep, goats, and horses.

Key Benefits

Year-Round Reliability: Provides fair to good quality forage from early spring through late fall, with strong regrowth following grazing or cutting.

Drought & Moisture Management: Establishes and persists on sites receiving as little as 15 inches of annual rainfall, reducing the need for supplemental irrigation. It also withstands occasional wet periods without significant stand loss.

Stress Resilience: Exhibits excellent resistance to trampling, moderate salinity, and many common turf and forage diseases, minimizing the need for chemical interventions.

Deep Root System: Develops an extensive root network that improves soil structure, enhances water infiltration, and helps prevent erosion on slopes and compacted areas.

Primary Uses

Pasture Grazing: Ideal for rotational and continuous grazing systems; its upright growth makes it easy for livestock to harvest and digest.

Hay & Silage Production: Produces high-yielding first cuts in late spring and reliable regrowth for a second or even third cutting, delivering consistent hay quality.

Erosion Control & Land Reclamation: Its sturdy bunching habit and deep roots stabilize disturbed soils on roadsides, buffer strips, and reclamation sites.

Ornamental & Turf Applications: Endophyte-free varieties are increasingly used in low-maintenance lawns, sports fields, and utility easements.

Planting & Management

Seeding Rate: 20–30 lb per acre for pure stands; adjust to 10–15 lb per acre when mixed with clovers or other grasses.

Planting Windows: Early spring or late summer/early fall, when soil temperatures are between 50–65 °F.

Soil Preparation: Establish in a firm, well-tilled seedbed with pH near neutral. Incorporate 2–3 tons/acre of organic matter on poor soils to boost fertility and water retention.

Fertilization & Liming: Base applications on soil tests; tall fescue responds well to balanced, moderate nitrogen rates and benefits from occasional phosphate and potassium top-dressings.

Grazing & Cutting: Allow 4–6 inches of residual growth before grazing or mowing to maintain stand vigor. Rest pastures for 30–45 days between grazings for optimal regrowth.

Ideal For

Livestock producers seeking a dependable, high-yield pasture grass

Hay growers targeting multiple cuttings of quality forage

Land managers addressing soil stabilization and low-input turf needs

Operations in regions with limited rainfall or variable climates

With its combination of adaptability, forage quality, and endophyte-free safety, our Tall Fescue offers a proven foundation for productive, sustainable grazing systems and forage programs.