Missouri livestock producers have some options to manage tall fescue seed head development and the toxic endophyte issues we have in Missouri, according to University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agronomy Tim Schnakenberg.
A news release says seed heads emerge in tall fescue grass pastures by mid-May across most of Missouri.
MU Extension field specialist in agronomy Sarah Kenyon says it is important to know how forage grows to understand the effect seed heads have on quality.
When seed heads form, plants move resources away from making leafy forage and focus on reproduction. Leaf growth slows and eventually stops as plants use proteins and sugars to make seeds instead of leaves. This results in a more fibrous plant with lower forage quality. Plants can be encouraged to stay in a vegetative stage by mowing or grazing to prevent seed heads from developing.
There are several ways to remove seed heads: hay production, early grazing, clipping or chemical suppression of tall fescue.
Baling hay before seed heads form allows the plant to resume leaf growth, according to Kenyon.
Another option is to clip or “reset” paddocks by removing the seed head. Once the seed is removed, the grass remains vegetative longer. This extends the growing season and results in higher-quality pastures and hayfields.
Grazing discourages forage tillers from making seed heads. For better grass quality and quantity, nip the seed head tiller.