Fall fescue pasture management systems for beef cows

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is the most important pasture grass used as a base for beef pastures in the upper mid-South because of its ease of establishment, hardiness, and response to nitrogen fertilizer and (or) renovation with legumes. However, in spite of its excellent agronomic characteristics, tall fescue has been criticized throughout its region due to poor performance of the animals consuming this forage. Several researchers have discussed management practices which can be used to improve animal performance and increase the amount of beef produced per acre.

Eight 10-acre pastures, stocked with approximately 5 cow-calf units (.5 units per acre), were used in this study to: (1) compare fescue cultivars (Kentucky 31 and Kenwell), (2) study the effects of renovation and nitrogen fertilization on animal performance and pasture productivity, (3) compare renovation methods, and (4) compare extensive and intensive pasture management.

Kentucky 31 and Kenwell cultivars supported similar animal gains; renovation of tall fescue pastures with legumes in the early spring increased animal gains; cow and calf condition scores were higher for renovated pastures; spring fertilization of fescue sod with nitrogen reduced calving percentage; the addition of nitrogen fertilizer to tall fescue pastures during the spring reduced individual cow and calf gains; feed production was greater from pastures nitrated in the spring and fall; total beef produced per acre was greater on nitrated pastures. The best combination of management practices to increase fall feed production and spring-summer forage quality were fall nitrogen fertilization (75 pounds per acre) followed by spring renovation with ladino clover and lespedeza.