Cajun II Tall Fescue Heating It Up Down South
We’ve recently received data from the University of Tennessee on our new Cajun II forage tall fescue. First year data from Greenville, TN placed Cajun II as an equal performer to Jesup Max Q, Select, and Cowgirl. We look forward to how subsequent years will distinguish its performance. Cajun II is a unique cross between “European-type” and “Mediterranean-type” genetics. This special crossing extends Cajun II’s range of adaptation and provides it with a wider range of ability to tolerate both the heat and the cold, performing very well both in the Northern and Southern tall fescue zones. Cajun II is naturally endophyte free. Availability for 2010 harvest is good.
University of Tennessee
Forage Trials (Lbs. DM/AC)
Multiple Locations
|2008-2009
| Variety | Greenville | Milan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Select | 12,904 | 5,976 | 18,880 |
| Cajun II | 11,838 | 6,080 | 17,918 |
| Jesup Max Q | 11,911 | 5,781 | 17,692 |
| Cowgirl | 11,245 | 5,933 | 17,238 |
| lsd | 2,620 | 1,039 | - |
Sustainably Specified: Rendition & Co.
Rendition tall fescue, as well as Titan Ltd., and Covenant tall fescues, are increasingly being specified in specialty use situations, like airport runways, thanks to their high endophyte level and the general benefits of tall fescue as it relates to lower maintenance costs. In fact, at an upcoming “Airports Going Green” conference, all three of these varieties are listed as part of the steps O’Hare International Airport is implementing to reduce hazardous wildlife and achieve “sustainable airport landscaping.”
From the Port Authority of NY/NJ to the city of Jackson, WY to the Town of San Anselmo, CA, tall fescues are being specified as a result of their natural performance abilities and beneficial impact on the environment. We are not only pleased to be included in these specifications, but have also been working aggressively at the “next generation” genetics based on the Titan Ltd. and Rendition varieties. These new varieties will be gradually available over the next two years. Stay tuned for more!
Speaking of Tall Fescue
It may be very timely that a new book has been published called “Tall Fescue for the Twenty-First Century.” According to the publisher, “The story of tall fescue is not just a story for grass scientists, but for scientists. Beginning with the discovery of a green Kentucky pasture, and the spiral of poor animal performance that followed, the study of tall fescue is an ongoing puzzle, with an intricate series of biochemical and physiological processes and interactions among animals, plants, fungi, and the environment. It’s a story that reveals how science develops and moves through disciplines, challenges, and new advances in research and technology. “ While the book might not be a read for everyone - especially at 540 pages - tall fescue may be becoming a grass for nearly everyone!
Ten Keys to a Profitable Forage Program
Key #10 - Reduce Storage and Feeding Losses
Wasting hay, silage, or other stored feed is costly! On many farms the average storage loss for round bales of hay stored outside exceeds 30%, and feeding losses can easily be as high or higher. Minimizing waste with good management, forage testing, and ration formulation enhances feeding efficiency, animal performance, and profits.
From “Ten Keys to a Profitable Forage Program” www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage/Ten Keys.pdf