Developing Renovation Strategies for Toxic Tall Fescue That Best Manages for Profitability, Animal Performance and Soil Health of the Production System.

Kentucky 31 tall fescue (TF) is the most widely cultivated forage in the U.S. totaling over 35 million planted acres. After rapid adoption, farmers noticed poor growth performance, reproductive issues and overall poor body condition of animals grazing this forage. The reason for these symptoms were ergot alkaloids produced by a fungal endophyte within the fescue plant. The best option for improving plant and animal performance is achieved by planting a novel endophyte TF variety (NE). A renovation strategy that best manages for profitability, animal performance and forage value without compromising soil health is needed to effectively transition away from toxic TF in the southeast U.S. A no-till strategy is important especially for southern Appalachian ridges and valleys and the southern piedmont. Langdale and Moldenhauer (1995) suggested this region poses the greatest risk of soil erosion in the U.S. because of the topography, soil characteristics and rainfall intensities. Three renovation strategies will be evaluated for impact on soil health, forage value, profitability, and animal performance. Strategies include: 1) control, 2) renovation to NE after a single season of a single specie grass cover crop, 3) renovation to NE after three seasons of a single specie grass cover crop, 4) renovation to NE after three seasons of a six-forage specie cover crop. Renovation and maintenance costs will be quantified to provide economic analysis of each strategy. Soil from each strategy will be analyzed for macronutrients, bulk density, soil organic carbon and nitrogen prior to renovation and following NE establishment to determine impact on soil health from each strategy. This study examines several aspects from the whole beef cattle production system and each piece will be crucial when providing educational assistance to producers.