Boost cattle profits with tall fescue stockpiling

By Blake Jackson

University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agronomy, Rusty Lee, recommends starting to stockpile tall fescue in mid-August for healthier and more profitable cattle. This practice extends the grazing season and significantly reduces the need for costly hay feeding.

"Winter feed costs are the cattle producer's biggest expense," Lee emphasizes. By maximizing grazing time and minimizing hay supplementation, producers can substantially cut back on these costs.

Tall fescue is a popular choice among Missouri producers due to its durability, resistance to pests, and extended growing season. Its waxy leaf coating protects the forage from harsh weather, preserving its nutritional value throughout the winter.

Stockpiling focuses on managing new fescue growth. Lee outlines the process: begin with a pasture height of 3-6 inches in August, remove cattle, and apply 40-60 pounds of nitrogen per acre. The key is to allow ample growth time; the longer the better.

"For high-density stands, every inch of fescue equals 300-400 pounds of forage," Lee explains. Even thinner stands offer 150-250 pounds per inch of growth per acre. The ideal is one acre of stockpiled fescue per cow, providing sufficient feed for at least 60 days.

To optimize forage utilization, Lee advocates strip grazing. This involves dividing pastures into smaller paddocks using temporary electric fencing. Moving cattle to fresh grazing areas every one to three days promotes even consumption and improves forage quality.

"It takes about 30 minutes a day to move the fence, regardless of herd size," Lee notes. This effort is worthwhile, as it can reduce feeding costs from $1.56 to 50 cents per cow per day.

Timing is crucial for successful stockpiling. Fertilizing before mid-August can lower forage quality without significant yield increases. Delaying stockpiling results in higher quality but lower yield.

Beyond cost savings, stockpiling offers additional advantages. It promotes even manure distribution across pastures and helps improve soil health.

Lee also encourages producers to order frost-seeding in January for improved pasture establishment. This shift from the traditional February timing is due to recent climate changes.

By implementing these stockpiling strategies, cattle producers can enhance herd health, reduce expenses, and improve overall pasture management.

Photo Credit: monarch-tractor