Estancia Tall Fescue

Good base rates of phosphorus are necessary for maximum DM production especially during establishment phase. DM production is directly related to nitrogen availability. Consult your Upper Murray Seeds agronomist or fertiliser advisor for nitrogen application rates.

Tall fescue should be sown at approximately 15-25kg/ha on its own or 4-10kg/ha in a perennial blend. Higher sowing rates increases early pasture production and lower’s weed competition. Sow into a weed-free seed bed at roughly 1-1.5cm depth. Rolling the seedbed after sowing will aid establishment. Fescues are best sown in autumn because growth will be slow at soil temperatures below 12˚C.

Avoid sowing fescue with ryegrass, as fescue has poor seedling vigour compared to ryegrass, as ryegrass is very competitive early, and has the potential to crowd out the fescue seedlings. Fescue is commonly sown with phalaris or cocksfoot, including the addition of clovers and herb’s.

Fescue is a slow establishing species so early weed control is crucial to long-term viability of the stand. Always use knockdown herbicide to ensure you are sowing into a clean seedbed. Monitor for post-emergent weeds and spray as required. Use options such as spray-grazing for broadleaf weeds once the stand is established.

Estancia fescue can be lightly grazed when plants resist pulling and the root system is well developed, this is typically in late winter or early spring. Once established, Estancia should be rotationally grazed to ensure the plant does not exceed 10-12cm, which will maximise tillering and encourage active leaf growth.

Estancia will provide nutritious and palatable feed throughout spring and summer.

To optimise livestock weight gain and health, ensure livestock are vaccinated and drenched. To prevent nutritional problems, make gradual diet changes when introducing hungry stock to lush pastures.

Estancia is not recommended for horses, as there is no horse grazing safety trial data available.