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Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is a well-adapted perennial pasture species utilized across the north-south transition zone of the United States. This 3-yr trial evaluated the influence of three forage masses (FM) on steer and pasture responses for spring (April to July) and fall (October) growths. Spring FM averaged 1450 kg ha-1 (Short), 3032 kg ha-1 (Medium), and 3812 kg ha-1 (Tall) for the three treatments. Canopy in vitro true organic matter disappearance (ITOD) decreased linearly from Short (797 g kg-1) to Tall (771 g kg-1). Steer daily gains (0.88 kg) and gains per hectare (392 kg ha-1 yr-1) were not altered by FM, but the mean number of steers per hectare decreased linearly from Short (8.2 steers ha-1) to Tall (6.1 steers ha-1) as did effective feed units per hectare (2256 to 1712 kg ha-1 yr-1). Canopies were predominately leaf (53%) and averaged 847 g kg-1 ITOD with estimates similar among FM treatments. Diet ITOD declined linearly from Short (870 g kg-1) to Tall (839 g kg-1) as did crude protein (CP) (from 235 to 192 g kg-1). In the fall, FM averaged 1556, 3228, and 3494 kg ha-1 for the three FM treatments. Canopy ITOD averaged 774 g kg and was not altered by FM. Canopy leaves averaged 60% with an ITOD of 864 g kg-1 and were similar among FM treatments. Diets selected averaged 834 g kg-1 ITOD and 233 g kg-1 CP and were not altered by FM. Tall fescue pasture free of toxic endophyte needs to be effectively utilized to enhance production and can be managed flexibly in grazing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]