Spring is fast approaching and producers looking for a bit of extra forage to supplement low hay stocks this year may consider planting a spring crop. Spring oats are one option that can be planted early, produce a large amount of high-quality forage, and are adaptable to fit for your particular system.
Typically in northeast Nebraska, planting dates for oats range from the middle of March into late April.
This gives us a window to plan for, but ideally, soil temperatures should be the ultimate factor for putting seed in the ground.
Oats germinate when soil temperatures are above 40°F. When we hit that milestone and are past the danger of a killing frost, planting can commence.
Seed at a rate of 60-80 lbs/ac on dryland and up to 100 lbs/ac on irrigated fields to get maximum production. 40-60 lbs of nitrogen can also boost yields, though with high fertilizer prices, a smaller rate or alterative nutrient source like manure may be worth consideration.
With the right conditions, oats can support 1 to 2 cows per acre for several months, or provides the flexibility to harvest as hay, green chop, or silage. If allowed to grow to maturity, production of 2-2.5 ton/acre are common.
