Oats as a post-wheat double crop option

By Andi Anderson

In Ohio, an unusually early wheat harvest has presented local farmers with a unique agricultural opportunity. Many are turning to oats as a secondary, or "doublecrop," forage option, which can be planted in the freshly cleared fields.

This strategy not only optimizes land use but also provides additional forage at minimal cost.

Historically, oats planted post-wheat harvest have been a successful forage crop in Fairfield County for over two decades. They are considered a low-cost yet high-quality feed alternative.

Oats can be planted anytime in July or August, with the potential to produce two to five tons of forage per acre on a dry matter basis. The investment includes only the cost of the seeds, some nitrogen fertilizer, and basic labor.

The best planting period for oats, from a yield perspective, is late July or early August. During this time, cooler average daily temperatures help the oats remain vegetative longer, without producing a seed head, thus maintaining a high-quality forage into late fall.

Oats are generally harvested once, with no significant regrowth, which simplifies the farming process.

For farmers interested in a summer annual, sorghum-sudangrass might be considered if immediate forage is needed. However, oats are preferred if the need for forage is not urgent but planned for late summer or fall.

This approach allows farmers to manage their resources more efficiently, focusing on a single, high-yield harvest.

Farm management techniques for oats include no-till seeding at rates of 80 to 100 pounds per acre and applying 40 to 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre for optimal yield.

This is considered the most cost-effective rate given current nitrogen prices. Controlling weeds, particularly marestail, is crucial before planting oats.

If mechanical harvest of dry forage is the goal, oats planted in early July can yield approximately 2.5 tons of dry matter by mid-September. For those considering grazing, oats provide an affordable and effective option, with the possibility of grazing extending into winter if the weather permits.

Planting oats after an early wheat harvest offers several advantages: efficient land use, cost-effective forage production, and the flexibility to meet various farming needs, from immediate grazing to later mechanical harvests.

This makes oats a valuable addition to Ohio’s agricultural practices, supporting sustainable and productive farming.

Photo Credit: istock-rustic