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.

Many years ago, in a college course on toxic plants, I learned about the popular ornamental houseplant dieffenbachia, also known as “dumb cane.”

With widespread drought and high temperatures that exacerbate algae blooms, the risk of toxic blue-green algae in your ranch water only increases, but there are some steps you can take to keep your cattle safe.

By midsummer last year, many streams were just a series of stagnant pools. When livestock crowded the streambanks for water, state and local officials issued stern warnings again and again.

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