Physical hazards – from swallowed wires to toxic plants – can be devastating, not only to the cow but in certain instances can cause late-term abortions or permanent birth defects in the calf crop.

To succeed in the Fescue Belt – particularly in endophyte-infected pastures – producers should chase these traits in their herds.

Every cattleman understands that getting cows bred is among the most basic of necessities in any cow-calf operation. If cows don’t get bred, the revenue stream dries up and the business is no longer sustainable.

Fescue toxicosis is commonly seen in cattle grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue. Despite the risk, tall fescue remains widely used across many regions because of its ease of establishment and long-term persistence.

Tall fescue is a hearty deep-rooted perennial that grows widely across 15 states in the southeastern U.S. and covers more than 35 million acres.

Start stockpiling fescue mid-August for healthier and more profitable cattle, says University of Missouri Extension Forage Specialist Craig Roberts.