Meadow Fescue

Of all the different grass species, meadow fescue has one of the broadest ranges of application. From dry hay to pasture, from heavy soils to light, meadow fescue can provide good tonnage and excellent quality. Meadow fescue is a semibunch type, cool season, European grass that has great winter hardiness. It will yield slightly less than tall fescue and orchard grass but has better fiber digestibility and palatability for grazing applications.

Establishment

Meadow fescue will establish faster than tall fescue or orchardgrass but will still benefit from a nurse crop. Seeding depth should be between 0.25 and 0.5 inches or when planted with a legume, 0.25 inches is preferred. 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.

Management

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