It was concurrently discovered that without the fungus, the tall fescue plant did not adapt to the management strategies of the old fungus-infected fescue. Fungus-free pastures often were hard to establish, and some stands were completely lost in a short period of time. Since 1985, when the first plantings were made, producers have learned to establish and maintain good fungus-free fescue stands for up to 9 years. Several theories are attributed to having a successful stand establishment. Animals may overgraze fungus-free fescue, because the intake restriction is eliminated.
Research shows insects prefer fungus-free fescue.
As seed heads begin to emerge, clipping and heavy grazing may help reduce toxicity occurrences, since the hollow stems and seed are high in fungal components. Excessive nitrogen rates may increase toxicity. Some producers apply only 30 pounds per acre in the fall for stockering cattle during the cool season. High rates of nitrogen can also decrease the legume component in grazing mixture. These grasses may help to dilute the fescue toxicity problem, and animals prefer them more than fescue in the summer period.