Releasing "Hidden Valley" Grass

Livestock producers using management-intensive grazing systems need improved, high-quality forage grass varieties that support cattle growth and milk production. To help fill that need, ARS scientists have developed and released "Hidden Valley" meadow fescue.

Cattle are more productive when foraging on the new variety, which is a significant improvement over current pasture forage varieties. "Hidden Valley" also has a higher cold tolerance and is better adapted for humid temperate regions in the Eastern United States and Canada.

Released in response to industry demand, "Hidden Valley" fills a significant demand for a cold-tolerant, drought-tolerant, high-quality grass for intensive grazing systems in the North Central and Northeastern United States.

Related Information

Article: An Old Forage Is New Again
Research Program: Redesigning Forage Germplasm and Production Systems for Efficiency, Profit, and Sustainability of Dairy Farms