The effect of final summer clipping date on yield and quality of stockpiled tall fescue is illustrated in results from research in southeastern Ohio (Table 3). Clipping the fescue in early July, compared to mid-August, increased yields for November grazing, but resulted in slightly lower crude protein levels. The key may be to stagger the start of stockpiling in different pastures to match use by the animals.
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Table 3. Effect of Final Clipping Date on Dry Matter Yield and Crude Protein (CP) Concentration in Stockpiled Tall Fescue Forage in Southeastern Ohio. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Clipping Date | Yield (lbs/acre) Nov 3 | % CP | ||
| Nov. 3 | Dec. 20 | Feb. 11 | ||
| July 1, 1990 | 3,761 | 13.9 | 10.1 | 9.6 |
| Aug. 16, 1990 | 3,194 | 15.2 | 11.0 | 10.9 |