“Grass founder” is often associated with lush green spring grass, but fall’s browning grass can be just as dangerous. Sugar, starch and/or fructan—collectively referred to as Non Structural Carbohydrates (NSC) by scientists—can be particularly high in drought-stricken or recently frosted grass, as well as overgrazed pastures. Plants “store” sugar during these stressed times, so fall grass can actually contain more NSCs than lush spring grass.
To learn more about NSC levels in your pasture grass, contact your cooperative extension system office. To find your nearest office, visit www.csrees.usda.gov.