Back To Top Summary Tall fescue is a popular grass in Arkansas because it is capable of withstanding environmental extremes such as drought, flooding, heavy traffic and varying soil types. It is also capable of surviving a variety of management systems, both good and bad. When managed properly, fescue is capable of producing large volumes of high quality forage for livestock. Some precautions must be considered if the livestock are horses, particularly mares in the last trimester of pregnancy. There are no easy solutions to the fescue problem for horse owners.
Research continues on the effects of fescue toxicity on horses.
Hopefully, it will provide more answers. In the interim, evaluate your individual operation and choose the management options that will be most beneficial. Ball, D. M. , Auburn University Fescue Toxicity Project, Alabama Cooperative Extension Circular ANR-389, 1983. McCann, J. S . The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.