Tall fescue is one of the most important grass species in the U.S. and is grown on an estimated 35 million acres throughout the country. It is a cool season perennial grass adapted to a wide range of soil and climatic conditions, being tolerant of poor drainage, yet is one of the more drought resistant grasses. Tall fescue will persist on low pH, low fertility soils, however, responds with greater production when limed, fertilized and managed. It is tolerant of continuous close grazing and makes more growth at low temperatures than other cool season grasses. In Ohio the suggested use has been to extend the grazing season into early spring and late fall-early winter in a pasture program.
Tall fescue is a sod forming grass which can withstand much traffic and animal tramping.
Determinations of forage quality such as crude protein, fiber, soluble carbohydrates, dry matter digestibility and minerals indicate tall fescue is of high quality and should result in good animal performance. However, livestock producers frequently observe disorders in animals consuming tall fescue. This grass often has been criticized for causing poor animal performance and other livestock health problems. Fescue toxicosis is the term used to describe these adverse symptoms with animals. A toxin within the plant was often suspected as its cause.