Getting Started: Stockpiling Fescue
The cool temperatures in June spoiled us and the dog days of summer are here. With these hot temp's, I know the last thing on anyone’s mind right now is stockpiling grass for winter. However, time passes quickly and winter will be here before we know it. With any luck, and a little rain, we will have a flush of grass in the fall which leads us to discussing stockpiling fescue. Stockpiling is leaving grass in the field, without cows, to be grazed at a later time.
Fescue grass is ideal for stockpiling for winter grazing mostly because it grows very vigorously in the fall, stays relatively palatable in the field, and has an ability to resist deterioration due to freezing/thawing. Fescue responds well to late summer nitrogen applications and maintains nutrients better than other cool season forage options. Fescue will inevitably lose some quality as winter progresses, as all forages do, but is a great option, especially for December grazing. Ultimately, stockpiling some fall growth for winter grazing, instead of putting it up for hay can help to
reduce production costs if done well. Here are some tips to start thinking about now when it comes to stockpiling:
- Most studies show that accumulation starting in late summer (August 1- September 1) is important, especially if rain is short.
- Do not overgraze pastures that you will stockpile in, especially during hot weather, which could reduce carbohydrate reserves in the plant, reducing yield in the fall.
- Nitrogen application is critical for maximizing fall growth. Apply based on soil recommendations, but no more than 60lbs of N/acre.
- Fertilizer applications made prior to August 15th may encourage warm-season weed growth. Wait til late summer/early fall to make nitrogen applications to promote fescue growth.
- Because ammonia in sources of nitrogen will volatilize in the hot, humid days of late summer, apply fertilizer immediately prior to a rainfall of >0.25”.
- Quality and utilization of the grass are increased by controlled grazing and are maximized by daily strip-grazing of the stockpiled fescue.
For more information please contact Allison Brown at 828-632-4451 or email: allison_brown@ncsu.edu.
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