University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

July 7, 2006

Forage options following irrigated wheat

The early wheat harvest in the Panhandle, combined with a shortage of forage, is leading many producers to ask what annual forages could be planted into irrigated wheat stubble.

Summer annual forages such as sudan grass, sorghum x sudan hybrids, pearl millet and foxtail millet are all options for producing additional forage. Determining the best option for your operation will depend on water availability, individual goals, available harvesting equipment and when forage is needed.

Foxtail millet would be an excellent choice for one cutting of hay or for windrow grazing. A sorghum x sudan hybrid would be the first choice for a crop to chop as silage, while pearl millet and low-prussic-acid varieties of sudan grass would be good choices for grazing.

A NebGuide entitled Annual Forages for the Nebraska Panhandle, is an excellent resource outlining the advantages and disadvantages of different annual forages. It is available online or from your local Extension office.

The critical thing to consider about summer annual forages is the remaining length of the growing season. Long-range forecasts from the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center are for above-normal temperatures through July, August and September. If this does occur, there likely will be a late first frost date this year.

If you're considering this option, summer annual forages should be planted by July 20. If you're planting after this date, oats might be a good choice. Oats can accumulate approximately two tons of forage per acre when planted in early to mid-August. Oats are somewhat cold tolerant and can withstand light frosts and temperatures in the upper 20s before growth ceases.

With the projected shortage of harvested feed available, planting annual forages into irrigated wheat stubble may be a good option this year.

Aaron Berger
Extension Educator in Kimball and Banner counties

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Copyright 2006 by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. All rights reserved.
Published by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperating with the counties and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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