Winter wheat provides an excellent grazing source for cattle in the late fall and early winter months, but it can also provide good early spring grazing, even if you are planning to take the wheat to a crop. If managed correctly, these dual-system wheat crops can allow for high quality, spring, grazing, and optimal wheat yields.
Research shows that wheat can be grazed in the spring until the first hollow stem stage without a yield penalty. The first hollow stem stage can be found by splitting the main tiller on the wheat plant and finding the developing wheat head. The first hollow stem stage begins when the developing wheat head is approximately 1.5 centimeters above ground, or roughly the diameter of a dime.
There are many factors that can affect the timing of first hollow stem. Planting date, seeding rate, weather, and wheat variety can all have an effect. Some quicker developing wheat varieties can reach the first hollow stem stage 3 weeks before other varieties.
In an ongoing trial conducted at Kansas State University, the onset of first hollow stem was measured in 34 wheat varieties that are commonly grown across Kansas. The average date of first hollow stem was found to me March 30, which was 13 days later than the previous year. The varieties ranged from March 16 to April 4.
The results of the trials also included forage and grain yields for each of the 34 varieties and are available on the KSRE website or in your local extension Office.
In research conducted by Oklahoma State University, it is shown that yield potential can drop 1-5% each day the wheat is grazed after the onset of first hollow stem. In a dual-system crop, being able to identify the first hollow stem stage is one of the most important tools a producer has to maximize both forage and grain yields.
For more information regarding dual-system wheat systems, contact Chad through your local extension office.
