Fescue grass in my pasture? - Ask Extension
I need to find out if our pasture in Newberg has fescue grass. I have recently purchased a broodmare and plan to have her on this pasture when her pre...
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Fescue grass in my pasture? #330695
Asked June 09, 2016, 6:54 PM EDT
I need to find out if our pasture in Newberg has fescue grass. I have recently purchased a broodmare and plan to have her on this pasture when her present foal is weaned and she is bred again. Fescue grass can cause problems for mares and foals and I want to avoid this.
We have not mowed the field yet this season. Could a grass or hay expert come out and take samples? Should I bring samples to the McMinnville office? How do I find out what grasses are in the pasture?
Yamhill County Oregon
Expert Response
I can see orchardgrass (tallest grass) in the first picture along with bentgrass and velvetgrass. I think I see some tall fescue in the second and third photos. It is probably best to take some sample grasses into the Extension office to ID.
There is a misconception that all tall fescue is harmful. Only turf type tall fescue contain the toxins that are harmful. Pasture or forage tall fescue varieties are safe to graze. but since you don't know the type that was planted, you might need to test some of the tall fescue to see if it contains the toxins.
See this publication for more information. We are working on revising it but it is still useful to read:
http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/20568/em8598-e.pdf
There is a misconception that all tall fescue is harmful. Only turf type tall fescue contain the toxins that are harmful. Pasture or forage tall fescue varieties are safe to graze. but since you don't know the type that was planted, you might need to test some of the tall fescue to see if it contains the toxins.
See this publication for more information. We are working on revising it but it is still useful to read:
http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/20568/em8598-e.pdf
