Small grains in Wisconsin

SELECTING VARIETIESThe top five factors to consider when picking a small grain variety:

1. Yield

2. Test weight

3. Disease resistance

4. Plant height

5. Lodging potential

Look for varieties that consistently perform well across multiple locations and years. This increases the likelihood of good performance under a variety of weather conditions.

Test weight (a measure of grain bulk density and an indicator of grain quality) is impacted by environmental conditions and pest pressure. Selecting disease resistant varieties can help reduce or possibly avoid the cost of pesticides, as well as limit yield reductions and grain dockages. Knowing how the crop will be used is an important factor in plant height selection; grain use favors shorter varieties to prevent lodging, while high straw yield favors taller ones.

Typically in Wisconsin, fall planted winter wheat is of the soft red type, while spring planted wheat is hard red. Be sure to check out the results from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension's annual performance trials for wheat, oats and barley (see back page for links).

Small grains provide many benefits to cropping systems.

9 Rotational benefits

9 Could be saved/sold for cover crop seed

9 Small grain value

9 Additional or emergency forage

9 Expanded manure application window

9 Diversification = economic and pest management advantages

9 Relatively low input crop

9 Valuable straw

Small grains in WISCONSIN

Adding small grains (wheat, oats, spring barley, rye, triticale) into cropping systems can provide economic, soil health and conservation benefits for Wisconsin farms. For example, the diversification they add in a crop ro-tation can lead to better pest management by 1) interrupting insect and disease cycles and 2) increasing canopy competition that can suppress weeds earlier in the season than other crops, such as corn and soybean. Their earlier planting and mid-summer harvest can also spread out labor/equipment needs across the farm and open-up additional time for manure application and cover crop establishment. Small grains can also serve as additional or emergency forage, provide valuable straw, or be saved and sold as cover crop seed.

Winter wheat can be planted following corn silage or soybean harvest and have time to establish prior to freezing temperatures. Research at the Uni-versity of Wisconsin-Madison has shown that adding wheat into a corn/soy-bean rotation improves both corn and soybean yields (Marburger & others, 2015).

NPMNutrient and Pest Management Program

page 2

PLANTING AND MANAGEMENTIdeal planting time for winter grains is typically between September 20th and October 5th. Seeding rate should be increased if planted after October 1st to compensate for reduced fall tillering.

Plant spring grains as early in the spring as field conditions allow. Row spacing is typically between 6–7.5 inches depending on seeding equipment.

Planting rate: 1.75 million seeds/acre | Planting depth: 1 to 1 1/2 inches deep

SMALL GRAINS PLANTING DATESApril May June July August September October

Oats, Spring barley, Spring wheat* Rye, Triticale, Winter wheat

In the spring following winter small grain planting, it is important to assess winter survival and viability of the stand (usually between Feeke's 2 and 4) before starting spring management.

Winter-kill of small grains is caused by lack of snow cover or lack of respiration due to ice sheet coverage. Brown leaves do NOT necessarily mean the plant is dead; it is important to examine the crown (growing point is typically 1–2 inches below ground level) of multiple plants and look for the development of new white roots. Be sure to calculate input costs and the cost of reestablishing another crop before tearing-up a poor stand.

Typically for winter wheat, it is not economical to keep a crop with plant density less than 12–15 live plants per square foot. However, be sure to assess the entire field; no need to terminate the whole field if only a portion has winter-killed!

Seedling Tillering Stem extension (jointing) Heading Flowering Ripening

Feeke’s Scale1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10.1-10.5 10.5.1-10.5.4 11.1-11.4

one shoottillering begins

tillers formed

leaf sheaths

lengthen

leaf sheaths strongly

erect

first node of stem visible

second node

of stem visible

last leaf just

visible

ligule of last leaf

just visible

boot stage; flag sheath completely grown out

head visible

floweringkernels develop

10 20 - 26 30 31 32 37 39 45 50 58 75-100

Zadoks’ Scale

* use seeding rate of 1.3 million seeds/a

Handy seed size and seeding rate conversion tableMILLION SEEDS PER ACRE

1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2----------------------- Pounds of seed/acre ---------------------

SEED

S PER

POUN

D

10,000 100 120 140 160 180 200 22011,000 91 109 127 145 164 182 20012,000 83 100 117 133 150 167 18313,000 77 92 108 123 138 154 16914,000 82 86 100 114 129 143 15715,000 67 80 92 107 120 133 14716,000 63 75 88 100 113 125 13817,000 59 71 82 94 106 118 129

page 3

SOIL FERTILITY AND pHLike with any crop, fertilizer is an important aspect of management. Nutrients are vital for crop development and can impact yield, but they are also an input cost that should be optimized for profit not yield.

Nitrogen recommendations for winter wheat (the most common small grain grown in Wisconsin) uses maximum return to nitrogen or MRTN to determine application rates. MRTN allows the user flexibility in identifying the N rate likely to maximize economic return at prevailing N and wheat prices. To determine the Nitrogen:Wheat price ratio, divide the cost of N ($/lb) by the price of wheat ($/bu). Current research suggests the best time to apply N for winter wheat is in the spring at green-up.

Other small grains nitrogen recommendations are based on soil organic matter percent. Remember to account for any manure applications and legume credits from previous crops. This can reduce input costs and increase nitrogen use efficiency. Over-application of nitrogen in small grains is more of an issue compared to conventional grain crops as it can lead to lodging and harvest headaches. Nitrogen is best applied in the spring for small grains.

Phosphorus and potassium recommendations are based on crop demand, soil test levels (from soil test results) and expected yield. To determine application rates, consult the tables in University of Wisconsin Extension publication A2809 Nutrient Application Guidelines for Field, Vegetable, and Fruit Crops in Wisconsin. If additional phosphorus and potassium are needed, preplant applications are recommended.

Sulfur applications may be considered on sandy soils where manure has not been applied in the last two years. Wheat and oats have a high relative need for manganese but low to medium need for other micronutrients. Manganese deficiency is more likely on soils with a pH greater than 6.8 or organic matter content greater than 6.0.

Soil pH should be managed for the crop with the highest target pH in the rotation.

For more information on soil fertility and nutrient application recommendations, consult University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension publication

Nutrient Application Guidelines for Field, Vegetable, and Fruit Crops in Wisconsin (A2809)

COVER CROPS AND SMALL GRAINSSmall grains’ harvest in mid- to late summer provides a great opportunity to establish cover crops. Planting cov-er crops after a small grain allows for a more diverse set of species to be planted and successfully established before winter compared to the short time-frame after corn silage, soybean or corn grain harvest. The increased diversity of species used and the additional biomass provided by these species could supply quality feed or high nitrogen content green manure.

Red clover has been successfully frost seeded into winter wheat in late March and early April where it grows in the understory of wheat until wheat harvest and then can be chopped for feed. See Frost Seeding of Red Clover and Cover Crops 101 for more information on establishing cover crops!

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0145/8808/4272/files/A2809.pdfhttps://ipcm.wisc.edu/download/pubsNM/RedClover_0109.pdfhttps://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0145/8808/4272/files/A4176.pdf

page 4

For more information on pest management recommendations, consult University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension publication Pest Management in Wisconsin Field Crops (A3646)

PEST MANAGEMENTWEED

Weed management for small grains can be difficult as fewer herbicide options are available, and narrow rows make cultivation difficult.

Cultural practices that maximize weed control are:

9 diverse crop rotations

9 adapted varieties

9 adequate fertilization

9 strong crop competition

9 planting clean seed

9 weed-free seed bed

Fall-seeded small grains are very competitive with weeds. Winter wheat, for example, typically only needs a herbicide treatment when there is a field history of summer or winter annual weeds.

Winter annuals (like shepherd’s purse and pennycress) can be par-ticularly problematic since they may emerge the same time as winter wheat. Summer annuals (like giant ragweed) can be very competitive but controlled with a late spring application of a synthetic auxin.

Appropriate herbicide applica-tions for small grains are typically in the tillering or stem elongation stage of growth (Feeke's 2–8). For information on specific small grain species, weeds controlled, herbicide site of action and more, consult Pest Management in Wisconsin Field Crops. Many herbicide options have required intervals between appli-cation and grazing/harvesting; this information is available on the label and remember, the label is the law.

INSECTThe most common insects in Wisconsin that directly damage plants and therefore subsequent grain yield are:

9 aphids

9 armyworms

9 grasshoppers

9 wireworms

See the table below for the economic treatment thresholds. For additional thresholds and specific control recommendations, consult Pest Management in Wisconsin Field Crops.

DISEASE Variety selection is an important aspect of disease management in small grains. UW-Madison Extension recommends checking the Wiscon-sin Variety Trials Results annually for disease-resistance ratings.

Disease management will be differ-ent each year, and there is no one size fits all approach. In all cases, disease development requires three factors to be present:

9 pathogen

9 host

9 optimal environmental conditions

Economic impact of the disease and subsequent cost of treatment should also be considered, as return on investment is often more import-ant than yield.

Seed treatment is always recom-mended, especially in fields where emergence has been an issue or where seed germination tests have shown low germination rates.

For other diseases (like powdery mildew, rusts, Septoria leaf blight and FHB) most foliar applications occur between the Feekes 8 and/or Feekes 10.5.1. For more information on fungicide seed treatments and foliar application options, consult Pest Management in Wisconsin Field Crops.

SMALL GRAINS TREATMENT THRESHOLDS

aphidsBird-cherry aphid Oat aphid English grain aphid Corn leaf aphid

To avoid peak fall aphid fights, delay planting until September 15th. Seedlings: 30 aphids per stem. Boot to heading: 50 aphids per stem.

armyworms 3 armyworms per square foot.

grasshoppers

Treat if grasshoppers average 20 per square yard on field edges or 8 per square yard for a field average. For most effective control, apply when grasshoppers are small.

wireworms No threshold available, preventative control only.

page 5

HARVEST AND STORAGEn Harvest at appropriate grain moisture level (see table below).

n Store grains at the correct temperature. 9Storage temperature should remain below 50 degrees F; use aeration if necessary to reduce elevated temperature levels.

9For winter storage, temperature should remain between 20–30 degrees F.

n Store grains at correct moisture levels. 9Slow-dry grain using low heat (below 90 degrees F) to correct moisture %.

9Grain moisture less than 13% can be stored for 6–12 months.

9Grain moisture greater than14% should be stored for less than 6 months.

n Clean storage facilities and scout for pests. 9Remove all grain and debris (feed sacks, cardboard sheets and boxes, dust, etc.) from inside and outside bins well in advance of the harvest. Never put new grain on top of old grain.

9Scout for pests every week when temperatures are above 50 degrees F and monthly during the winter.

A note about small grain forage quantity and quality. As small grains mature, the quantity of biomass increases, but the quality decreases (simi-lar to hay production). The ideal balance of quantity and quality is typically when small grains are at the boot stage; small grains harvested at this stage will have values lower in the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) range and higher in the crude protein (CP) and relative forage quality (RFQ) range (see table). As forage matures NDF will increase, while RFQ and CP will decrease. Forage samples can be taken for quality analysis to assist with ration mixing; sam-pling can occur at harvest or after fermentation.

Spring wheat

Winter wheat Oats

Spring barley Rye Triticale

Ideal harvest moisture 13.5% 13.5% 12% 12% 15% 15%

Typical harvest timing Late July- mid AugustLate July-

mid AugustLate July-

mid AugustLate July-

mid August Late July-

mid AugustMid July-

mid August

Typical grain yield 45 bu/a 71 bu/a 61 bu/a 46 bu/a 60 bu/a 120 bu/a (hybrid) 60 bu/a

Typical straw yield 1.75-2.25 tons/a1.75-2.25

tons/a1.75-2.25

tons/a1.75-2.25

tons/a 1.25-1.75 tons/a1.25-1.75

tons/a

Test weight 60 lb/bu 60 lb/bu 32 lb/bu 48 lb/bu 56 lb/bu 50 lb/bu

Minimum U.S. #1 grade test weight 60 lb/bu 60 lb/bu 36 lb/bu 47 lb/bu 56 lb/bu 48 lb/bu

Forage yield 2-3.5 tons DM/acre2.5-4 tons DM/acre

1-3 tons DM/acre

1-2 tons DM/acre

1.5-3.5 tons DM/acre

1.5-3.5 tons DM/acre

Relative forage quality (RFQ) Depends mainly on forage maturity rather than species. 100-125 at heading; 125-150 at boot stage; 150-200 at vegetative stage

Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) 45-60% -- 50-60% 50-60% 45-65% 45-65%

Crude protein (CP) 11-19% -- 10-18% 10-15% 10-18% 9-19%

Boot stage is when the seed head is just visible within the flag leaf.

FLAG LEAF

SEED

HEA

D LO

CATIO

N

9 Legal restrictions should be verified.

9 Seed analysis test is recommended.

9 Aeration and temperature control is necessary for storage; if < 60 days, temporary storage like a gravity wagon or bulk bin may suffice.

If saving for cover crop seed:

Small grains in WISCONSIN

SMALL GRAINS RESOURCEScoolbean.info for yearly small grain variety trials and other management recommendations

badgercropdoc.com for all things disease management, including identification information and timely updates on disease presence in Wisconsin

UW Visual Guide to Wheat Growth Stages

UW-Madison Rye Crop Information

UW Pest Management Fast Facts

NPM Frost Seeding Red Clover into Winter Wheat

Nutrient Application Guidelines for Field, Vegetable, and Fruit Crops in Wisconsin (A2809)

Pest Management in Wisconsin Field Crops (A3646)

Common Wheat Disease in Wisconsin (A3879)

Cover Crops 101 (A4176)

https://counties.extension.wisc.edu/

Iowa State Grain Drying Handling and Storage Handbook

CitationsMarburger, D. A., Conley, S. P., Esker, P. D., Lauer, J. G., & Ané, J. M. (2015). Yield response to crop/genotype rotations and fungicide use to manage Fusarium-related diseases. Crop Science, 55(2),889-898.

USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service . (2020). NASS - Quick Stats. USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service . https://data.nal.usda.gov/dataset/nass-quick-stats. Accessed 2020-04-16.

This publication is available from the Nutrient and Pest Management (NPM) Program, phone (608) 265-2660, email (npm@hort.wisc.edu), website: ipcm.wisc.edu

NPM

Authors: Chelsea Zegler, Dane County Educator; Daniel H. Smith and Mimi Broeske, Nutrient and Pest Management Program; John Gaska, Rodrigo Werle and Shawn Conley, Department of Agronomy; Damon Smith, Department of Plant Pathology; Bryan Jensen, Department of Entomology; Carrie Laboski, Department of Soil Science; College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension

An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employ-ment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements.

http://coolbeans.infohttp://badgercropdoc.comhttps://ipcm.wisc.edu/download/pubsGuides/UW_WheatGrowthStages.pdfhttp://corn.agronomy.wisc.edu/Crops/Rye.aspxhttps://ipcm.wisc.edu/download/pubsPM/Pest-FastFacts.pdfhttps://ipcm.wisc.edu/download/pubsNM/RedClover_0109.pdfhttps://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0145/8808/4272/files/A2809.pdfhttps://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0145/8808/4272/files/A2809.pdfhttps://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0145/8808/4272/files/A3646-2020.pdfhttps://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0145/8808/4272/files/A3879-03.pdfhttps://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0145/8808/4272/files/A4176.pdfhttps://counties.extension.wisc.edu/https://www-mwps.sws.iastate.edu/catalog/grain-handling-storage/grain-drying-handling-and-storage-handbookhttps://data.nal.usda.gov/dataset/nass-quick-statshttps://data.nal.usda.gov/dataset/nass-quick-stats

_GoBackSelecting varietiesPlanting and managementSoil fertility and pHCover crops and small grainsPest managementWeed InsectDisease

Harvest and storageSmall grains resourcesCitations