Page 17 - MWC 4-21-2022s

The Midwest Cattleman · April 21, 2022 · P17
Novel Endophyte Fescue Conversion

Converting from Kentucky 31 begins in the spring

By Tim Schnakenberg, Field Specialist in Agronomy, Stone County, MO
Ernest hosts a toxic endophyte fun- nificant results in cow
Newton Fer- gus that can affect livestock reproduction rates by
gus, a Uni- performance. “K-31 revolu- converting just 25 per-
versity of tionized the cattle industry cent of a farm opera-
K entuc ky in Missouri,” Schnakenberg tion to novels coupled
forage spe- says. “But in some cases, with strategic man-
cialist in the maybe it’s time to make agement.”
1930s and 1940s, did the live- some changes that will bring Another good rea-
stock industry a great favor greater profitability for live- son to renovate a fes-
when he propagated Ken- stock operations.” cue pasture is when
tucky 31 fescue, says Univer- Most agronomists are not many grassy weeds
sity of Missouri Extension going to promote replacing dominate a pasture
agronomist Tim Schnaken- K-31 fescue completely, be- or paddock. “There
berg. cause that is not going to are many pasture and
“Fescue in general is palat- happen, he says. “Howev- hayfield stands that
able with outstanding quality er, livestock producers who once were strong fes-
at early growth,” Schnaken- learn how to use it and/or cue fields but aren’t
berg says. “It tolerates abu- supplement with other for- anywhere close to that
sive grazing and survives age options are ahead of the anymore,” Schnaken-
drought, diseases, insects, curve on dealing with the berg says. “In most
and cold weather. Fescue pro- drawbacks.” cases, there are no
vides a consistent amount of Novel-endophyte fescues, selective herbicides ble in the ground for at least
fall and winter grazing very which host a nontoxic ver- to eliminate or reduce less 12 months, so if you intend
cheaply. The seed is readily sion of the fungus, can sig- desirable species in a field. to convert an existing stand
available and easy to estab- nificantly improve animal Complete renovation may be of K-31 fescue to novel-endo-
lish.” performance and farm prof- the only solution if a purer phyte fescue, Schnakenberg
But Kentucky 31 fescue itability, he says. “Research stand is desired.”
has a major downside: It out of Arkansas found sig- Fescue seed can stay via- continued on page 21
Why let it rot?

We’re ready when you’re ready. ®

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