Tall Fescue dominates pastures across the Piedmont and Mountains of North Carolina. The most common variety, Kentucky-31 has brought remarkable conservation benefits to the region since it was introduced in the 1940s. Unfortunately it was later discovered that this plant harbored a fungus (the Fescue Endophyte) that produces toxins that reduce livestock performance but that also explain the plant's remarkable growth and persistence. Today farmers can select improved varieties of Tall Fescue infected with "friendly" non-toxic endophytes that support higher levels of animal performance while providing the excellent agronomic performance we have come to expect from Kentucky-31 tall fescue. These revolutionary new products are called "Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue".
Join us on December 12 in Orange County, NC where we will learn more about this fascinating story about Tall Fescue, and how to best put this Novel Endophyte technology to work on your farm. The Alliance for Grassland Renewal is teaming with Orange, Person and Granville County Extension and the Amazing Grazing Program to bring you this informative workshop. If you have high performing cattle or other livestock, or are targeting a local meat marketing option for your livestock don't miss this workshop! The program will feature Dr. John Andrae from Clemson University who is well known for his work with Tall Fescue pastures and nutrition programs for Grass-Fed Beef. We will also hear from Matt Poore and Johnny Rogers from the Amazing Grazing Program. After lunch we will visit two local farms in Orange County that have had great success with Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue.
Cost is $20 and includes lunch and materials.
Register Here: Novel Endophyte Fescue Field Day
