Festuca arundinacea
Soft leafed, endophyte-free, and tolerant of continuous stocking, Brutus tall fescue can be grown for pasture, hay, and silage. Benefits to operations include long grazing seasons, persistence, low-input requirements, yields, seed production, and adaptation in forage environments. Brutus tall fescue will also reduce soil erosion and recycle nutrients from both manure and biosolids. Transition zone operations see immense benefits with high-quality, high-protein forage available to spring-born calves. With the inclusion of legumes, supplements, and irrigation during the summer months, calves can remain on pastures until fall weaning. Stockpiling summer and autumn vegetative growth can be accomplished in some areas depending on conditions.
| Growth Pattern | Brutus tall fescue is a bunchgrass with leaves that typically have ribs on the upper surface and a smooth and shiny underside. |
| Interseeding | Not Recommended |
| Did You Know? | Seeds/Lb: 227,000 – 230,000
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Adaptation
| Soil Conditions | Preferential to colder, humid climates, Brutus tall fescue is particularly suited to areas located in the transition zone. With a tolerance to low soil fertility, Brutus tall fescue continues to grow even when temperatures reach down to 40°F. Brutus tall fescue can survive on fragipans, but soil moisture availability will determine its tolerance for warmer climates. Flooding is not commonly an issue for Brutus tall fescue. Precipitation or irrigation of at least 15″ – 18″ per year is needed.
Optimum Growth Range: 40°F – 86°F |
| Growth | Soil pH: 5.5 – 7.0
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Establishment
| Planting | Plant by aerial seeding, hydroseeding, and broadcasting. If broadcast seeding, increase seeding rates by 50% or more depending on the seedbed condition. Prevention of weed invasion is essential during the early stages of establishment. Weed control with Gramoxone Extra or Roundup may be required before planting if no-tilling. Plant seed to allow at least 60 days growth before temperatures drop below 50°F. Spring seedings should occur early enough to avoid weeds and early droughts.
Seeding Depth: ¼” – ½”
Monoculture: 20 – 25 Lb/A |
| Germination | Easy to establish with rapid germination and excellent seedling vigor, Brutus tall fescue germinates and establishes slower than other cool-season grasses. Shading is a concern until plants reach maturity.
Min Time To Emergence: 14 days (or after the first rain)
Ideal Temp: 40°F+ (for several days)
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Management
| Grazing | Determine plants are of the right height by pulling on plants to make sure they won’t be uprooted by grazing activity before stocking the pasture. Achieve more outstanding forage production and higher animal gains by utilizing more management-intensive grazing techniques.
Earliest Time To Graze: 4″ – 10″ |
Fertilizing | Although Brutus tall fescue is tolerant of low fertility, it does respond well to fertilizer. Responsive to Nitrogen, each pound of N added will result in dry matter yield increases by 20 – 30 Lb/A at harvest. Apply lime six months before seeding if necessary. Caution is needed when using N or grazing a new planting during wet weather as it could result in the accumulation of Nitrates. Fertilization with N during the summer is not necessary. A late summer application of N will encourage late summer and fall growth, but only a light application.
At Planting: 50 Lb/A N
During Grazing Season: 50 Lb/A N
| Hay/Silage | Timing: Early Boot Stage
Cuttings During Season:
Hay: 3 – 4
Silage or Green Chop: 4 – 6
| Recovery | Brutus Tall fescue is one of the most resilient cool-season grasses and is able to withstand high levels of traffic as well as intense grazing.
Minimum Graze Height: 3″
Rest Period: 15 – 30 days
| Mixes |
- Red Clover
- White Clover
- Subterranean Clover (non irrigated hill pastures)
- White Clover
| | Yield | Tons Dry Matter/A: 5 – 7 |
Considerations
Renovate pastures with a legume such as red clover every 2 – 3 years or when the clover population reaches less than 15% to avoid nitrogen deficiency.
| Competition | Brutus tall fescue may require some intervention when dealing with weeds. Effectively manage weeds by utilizing Banvel, Crossbow, Ally, or Stinger unless legumes are present. |
Risks | Clipping seedhead tillers post-grazing will help alleviate selective grazing. Excessive fertilization can interfere with the germination and inoculation of legumes. Brutus tall fescue will experience a ‘summer slump’ in performance when temperatures reach higher levels, and new stands may be damaged if grazed in wet weather. Nitrogen accumulation can occur when mixed with perennial ryegrass and should be combatted with the addition of alternative feed options. | Diseases |
- Stem Rust in <2 year-old stands
| | Pests |
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Please Note:
All information provided is the result of research, our own experience, or the experiences shared by our customers.
We strongly encourage consulting additional resources before planting to ensure the best fit for your location and needs.
For questions or advice or to share your experience, contact us.
