Seed Production

Originally, most of the tall fescue seed harvested in the USA was produced in the Pacific Northwest and Kentucky. Recent drastic shifts have occurred in seed production areas. Tall fescue produces seed well on the fertile, well‐drained soils in eastern Oregon and other regions. Most grass seed is grown on farms specializing in production of tall fescue seed or other grass seed as a cash crop. There is little grazing of the tall fescue seed fields. Tall fescue has a wide climatic adaptation for seed production. Best yields are from fertile, well‐drained soils managed for seed. The use of commercial fertilizers is essential for seed production. Nitrogen is the most important nutrient affecting the seed yield of tall fescue. When tall fescue is used for forage and seed, determining the proper amount of nitrogen for a seed crop is more difficult. Effective weed control is essential in producing seed that meets market quality standards.