Small Grain Forage Production Guide

Small Grain Forage Production Guide OCTOBER 2025

EXTENSION.USU.EDU

Authors Matt Yost, Utah State University (USU) Extension Agroclimate Specialist Megan Baker, USU Graduate Student Earl Creech, USU Extension Agronomist Justin Clawson, USU Extension Cache County Michael Pace, USU Extension Box Elder County Kalen Taylor, USU Extension Millard County Cory Farnsworth, USU Extension Grand County Jacob Hadfield, USU Extension Utah County Corey Ransom, USU Extension Weeds Specialist Steven Price, USU Extension Carbon County Claudia Nischwitz, USU Extension Plant Pathologist Clara Anderson, USU Research Assistant

Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................ 2 Site Selection ........................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Species and Variety Selection ................................................................................................................................................. 3 Planting ................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Nutrient Management ............................................................................................................................................................ 6 Irrigation.................................................................................................................................................................................. 8 Pest Management ................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Harvest .................................................................................................................................................................................. 13 Small Grain Forage Yield and Forage Quality in Utah............................................................................................................ 14 Summary ............................................................................................................................................................................... 17 References ............................................................................................................................................................................. 17

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Small Grain Forage Production Guide

Published on Oct 31, 2025

Utah State University Extension

"Small grain forages can be used for pasture, hay, and silage and have become more common in cropping systems in Utah and the western United States. The most common small grain species used for forage production are barley, oat, rye, triticale, and wheat. These species are grown individually or in various combinations and can provide many options for planting in the fall or spring. Small grain forages are versatile and can serve eﬀectively in rotations, as dual-purpose options, double-cropped systems, cover plantings, emergency solutions in response to weather extremes, failed plantings, or drought and limited water conditions. Although there has been an increase in the use of small grains for forage production in the western U.S., little published information is available on best management practices for small grain forage production. This guide will discuss the key production practices for small grains used for forage."