Some of the key components to stockpile management are indicated below. While almost any perennial forage can be stockpiled, there are several reasons why tall fescue works the best. Tall fescue will maintain more active growth at lower temperatures than most other cool season grasses and will continue to accumulate later into the year. In response to shortening day length and cooler night temperatures, tall fescue accumulates a level of soluble carbohydrates in both the leaves and stem bases. The waxy layer on the leaves makes the plant more resistance to frost damage than most cool season grasses.
Tall fescue is also very responsive to nitrogen fertilization.
To produce a high yielding, quality stockpile, the pasture should be grazed or clipped fairly short and 40 to 80 lbs. In central Missouri the optimum time to initiate stockpiling is in early to mid-August. If stockpiling begins before this time, the yield will not be any greater, but quality will be significantly lower because the photosynthetic efficiency of the sward is decreased due to the presence of more dead and dying leaves. This same factor also results in lower forage quality. Delaying the initiation of stockpiling results in a higher quality forage, but it significantly reduces yields.