Cool-Season Grasses

Description
Meadow fescue is becoming the new go-to grass in the Upper Midwest. Why is it replacing tall fescue? Tall fescue will always outyield meadow fescue head to head. But when meadow fescue or tall fescue is partnered with alfalfa, the yield of the alfalfa and either of the grasses gives the same increase in yield over the alfalfa alone. It seems the meadow fescue is less competitive and does not try to replace the alfalfa. Therefore, the alfalfa/grass ratio remains more constant with meadow fescue. Yes, we still like the drought tolerance of the tall fescue and some may choose Haylage Plus (tall fescue, meadow fescue and Perun festulolium as a nurse crop) as their alfalfa partner.
     There is, however, one more meadow fescue advantage and one more contributing factor. Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has shown a NDFd edge that can amount to a 2- to 3-pound milk boost when meadow fescue is substituted for tall fescue.

Management
Meadow fescue needs fertile soils for optimum performance. It works well in intensively managed grazing or hay production if not mowed lower than 3 inches.

Establishment
Meadow fescue will establish faster than tall fescue or orchardgrass but will still benefit from a nurse crop. Use a low rate of a small grain or combine with festulolium or ryegrass to help suppress weeds. Meadow fescue is a good no-till option but will not express itself until the following year.