Fescue – Tall (Forage-Type)

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Fescue – Tall (Forage-Type) (Festuca arundinacea)

Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is a long-lived, cool-season perennial forage grass valued for durability, strong root development, drought tolerance, and its ability to withstand regular grazing. It produces productive forage primarily during the spring and fall and can be used for both pasture and hay.

This forage-type Tall Fescue is intended for livestock use and is different from turf-type Tall Fescue sold for lawns. For livestock applications, use forage-type varieties specifically intended for grazing or hay production.

Tall Fescue performs well in full sun to partial shade and adapts to a wide range of soil conditions. Its deep root system allows it to access moisture deeper in the soil than many shallow-rooted cool-season grasses.

Which Animals Can Use Tall Fescue?

Cattle — Excellent Choice

Tall Fescue is a durable forage grass for cattle pasture and rotational grazing. It tolerates repeated grazing and can provide dependable forage in a variety of pasture systems.

Sheep — Excellent Choice

Sheep can utilize Tall Fescue effectively as pasture. Controlled or rotational grazing helps maintain plant vigor and prevents excessive removal of leaf material.

Horses — Good Choice

Tall Fescue can be used for horse pasture and hay. When purchasing seed for livestock, choose forage-type Tall Fescue appropriate for grazing rather than turf-type seed.

Goats — Good Choice

Goats can graze Tall Fescue as part of a managed forage system. It can also be combined with other suitable grasses, legumes, and browse to provide greater forage diversity.

Best Uses

Tall Fescue is particularly well suited for:

• Long-term livestock pasture
• Rotational grazing
• Pasture renovation
• Hay production
• High-use grazing areas
• Sites where drought tolerance and persistence are important
• Mixed grass and legume forage systems

Establishment & Growth

Tall Fescue is a perennial bunchgrass that establishes best in a firm, well-prepared seedbed with adequate soil moisture.

Growth is strongest during the spring and fall, while hot summer conditions can slow production. Once established, Tall Fescue can remain productive for many years when grazing is properly managed.

Water & Drought Tolerance

Tall Fescue has good drought tolerance for a cool-season forage grass because of its deep root system. It can continue accessing soil moisture after shallower-rooted grasses begin to slow during dry conditions.

Tall Fescue is drought tolerant but not drought proof. Extended heat and lack of moisture will reduce growth, and irrigation may be beneficial where summer forage production is desired.

Regional Fit

Pacific Northwest — Excellent Choice

Tall Fescue is well suited to the Pacific Northwest and is a strong choice where a persistent cool-season pasture is desired. It can perform under both irrigated and suitable dryland conditions.

Northern U.S. — Good Choice

Tall Fescue can perform well across many northern regions where summers are moderate and adequate moisture is available. In areas with severe winters, select varieties appropriate for the local climate.

Southern U.S. — Good Choice

Tall Fescue is widely used as a cool-season forage grass in the Southern U.S. It provides valuable grazing during the cooler portions of the year, although summer heat and drought can reduce growth.

Dry Regions — Use With Irrigation or Adequate Rainfall

Tall Fescue has better drought tolerance than many cool-season grasses, but reliable production still depends on available soil moisture.

Southern Oregon — Good Choice

Tall Fescue can perform well in Southern Oregon, particularly where adequate moisture is available. Its deep roots provide better drought tolerance than many cool-season grasses, but irrigation may be beneficial during hot, dry summers.

Eastern Oregon — Good Choice With Adequate Moisture

Tall Fescue can be used in Eastern Oregon where rainfall or irrigation provides sufficient moisture. Its drought tolerance makes it more suitable than many cool-season grasses, but prolonged summer heat and dry conditions can significantly reduce growth. Irrigation is recommended where consistent summer forage production is desired.

Grazing Management

Allow newly planted Tall Fescue to become well established before grazing.

Once established, rotational or controlled grazing allows the plants to recover between grazing periods. Avoid continuous close grazing, which can weaken plants and reduce long-term stand productivity.

Tall Fescue can also be combined with other forage species to increase pasture diversity and balance seasonal growth.

Hay Production

Tall Fescue can be harvested for hay and provides useful forage when cut at an appropriate stage of maturity. Its persistence makes it a practical choice for long-term hay and pasture systems.

Planting

Best planting time in the Pacific Northwest: Spring or late summer to early fall

Preferred soil temperature: 50–65°F

Prepare a firm seedbed and provide adequate moisture during germination and early establishment. Fall planting is generally preferred where adequate moisture is available.

Seeding Rates

Broadcast: 60–75 pounds per acre

Seed Drill: 30 pounds per acre