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Tall fescue is a long-lived perennial grass with a deep root system. It’s a cool season bunchgrass that is well adapted to high moisture and poor drainage. Tall fescue can tolerate adverse soil conditions including salinity, alkalinity and acidity; however, better seed production will occur on more productive land.
Tall fescue is widely used for turfgrass applications, including lawns and sports fields. It’s used in blends and its market continues to grow with improved tolerance to wear, heat and drought. Tall fescue needs one year to establish and does not produce seed during that first year. After the establishment year, tall fescue will produce seed for two to three years, depending on the stand. The crop can be underseeded to wheat, canola or flax, or it can be established on its own.
Field Selection
Tall fescue responds well to moisture and nitrogen. It’s adapted to different soil types and grows in everything from light-textured sandy soils to heavy clay soils. The field must be free of residual herbicides such as Edge® and Treflan®, and it’s important to review the field’s herbicide history before planting. Clean fields are important to maximize seed quality. Glyphosate application in the fall before establishment will help eliminate perennial weeds.
Weed and Disease Control
Wild oats, cleavers and quackgrass are the worst weed problems. Cleavers and other broadleaf weeds can be controlled with herbicides, however, options for wild oat control in-crop are minimal and there is no in-crop control for quackgrass.
Seeding
Conventional seeding equipment can be used. Seeding at 5-8 lbs/acre with an air drill, air seeder and hoe drill works well.
Harvesting
Tall fescue must be swathed, usually in late July to early August, which helps to split up the harvest workload. Some shattering will occur when swathing tall fescue, so it’s recommended to do it at night or early in the morning. Harvesting usually occurs about five to seven days after cutting, depending on the weather. Tall fescue is considered dry at 12% moisture but can be harvested at 14% or 15% so long as aeration is used to cool the seed and remove excess moisture. Heat cannot be used as it can affect germination.
Production Benefits
- Multiple crop years reduce workload during planting season
- Early harvest splits up fall workload
- Easy to swath and combine
- Good standability
- Increases soil organic matter
- Tolerance to salinity, alkalinity and acidity
- Break-crop effect benefits annual crops in rotation
- Guaranteed minimum contract pricing with opportunity to capture market upside
- Excellent profitability track record
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Seeding Rate | 5 – 8 lbs/acre |
| Seeding Depth | Max ¾ inch |
| Row Spacing | 7 – 15 inches |
| Seed Production Life | 2 – 3 years |
| Companion Crop | Wheat, canola, flax |
| Soil pH | 5.0 – 8.0 |
| Fertility | High nitrogen user |
| Swath Timing | Late July to early August |
| Harvest Timing | 5 – 7 days after swathing |
| Seed Moisture | Dry is 12% |
| Seed Value (Est.) | $0.70 – $1.00 / lb |
| Seed Yield (Average) | 500 – 1,400+ (700) lbs/acre |
| Cost of Production | Similar to spring wheat |
Tall Fescue Tech Sheet & Moisture Chart
SEED PRODUCTION GUIDE
CONTACT A SEED PRODUCTION SPECIALIST
From scouting and selection of production fields, fertility programs, pest management and growth regulator recommendations to swathing, harvest timing and cover crop management, a dedicated Seed Production Specialist is with you every step of the way to help maximize returns.