Part 1, Section 7: Small Grains
OTHER SMALL GRAINS
MANAGING SMALL GRAINS FOR FORAGE
During the past few years, the use of small grains for forage, especially winter rye for silage, has increased. This practice provides a feed source when the quantity of stored feed is low; in addition, it aids in manure management by providing another time to apply manure. Also, winter grains can utilize nitrogen available in the rooting zone during the fall and early spring, thus reducing the potential for nitrogen to move into groundwater.
Winter-type small grains (such as wheat, rye, barley, and triticale) can be grazed in the fall and harvested for silage in the spring. When used for pasture, they should be planted in mid-August to early September and can be utilized for grazing from October to late December and again in early spring. If the small grain is to be harvested for silage, grazing should be discontinued prior to Growth Stage 6 (Figure 1.7-2) in the spring. When fall and spring silage production is desired, a mixture of spring oat and a winter grain is suggested since it is difficult to harvest a winter grain for silage prior to Growth Stage 6. Spring oat also can be seeded in mid-August for fall grazing or silage production.
Recent research indicates that it is best to harvest small grains, for hay or silage, between boot (Growth Stage 9) and head emergence (Growth Stage 10). Rye should be harvested close to Growth Stage 9 and the other small grains near Growth Stage 10. In most years, rye is ready in late April, barley in early May, and wheat and triticale in early to mid-May. Winter barley and wheat can also be direct cut for silage at the milk/dough stage. There is only a narrow window to harvest before the crop becomes too dry. Monitor moisture carefully and then harvest rapidly. These crops can produce silage with an energy level slightly lower than corn silage (60 to 65 percent TDN). The potential harvest date is a major consideration in choosing which winter grain to grow for silage. The date should be matched to spring workload and labor availability. Grain or forage crops can be seeded after harvest.
Spring-seeded small grains also can be used for forage. Seed early (mid- to late March). Mixtures of spring grains and peas are available and also should be seeded early. Harvest at head emergence (Growth Stage 10), which is in early June. Grain or forage crops can be seeded after harvest.
When planting small grains for forage, increase the seeding rate 30 percent. Follow the other management practices for growing small grains for grain.