Oats

Oats are an excellent spring-planted forage crop. While oats tend to be very good quality, there is a large variation in quality from different varieties. We have tested oats extensively to ensure that the forage varieties we offer have good disease resistance, as well as excellent quality.

Establishment

Seeding rates are 2 to 3 bu per acre. Seed should be placed in a firm seedbed 1/2 to 3/4 inch deep. In the case of a nurse crop, the rate should be reduced to 30 lbs per acre for grass and 50 lbs per acre for alfalfa.

Management

Oats work the best in a balage/haylage management system; however they can work well in a strip grazing system. They adapt well to the wet soils, and can be used as a nurse crop for alfalfa when necessary.