Oats is the traditionally early sown cereal that can be used in the rotation for autumn grazing and then can be locked up for grain production when there is adequate winter feed.

More consistent rain this summer has many farmers hoping an early start to the winter cropping program is on the cards, especially with some subsoil moisture.

It is also preferable to see oats or triticale used instead of a grazing wheat, to avoid the potential danger of wheat streak mosaic virus.

Oats is easily established for relatively low cost, is adaptable to a wide range of soils and can be used for hay, silage or grain.

Many varieties are tolerant of diseases like Take-all, Crown Rot and Common Root Rot.

Oats will produce more forage than other cereals and has a higher winter growth rate than pastures.

Best sowing times are from late February when soil temperatures are between 15 and 25 degrees, with consistent soil moisture.

Sowing into moisture between five to seven centimetres will give even establishment.

A sowing rate of 60 to 80 kilograms per hectare is common but can be increased if there is adequate moisture to compete with weeds or if soil pH is less than 5.0.

Suitable varieties for grazing and grain recovery to give quick grazing include Eurabbie, Mannus and Cooba.

Ideal stage for grazing is when the plants are well anchored, with the canopy closed giving 100 per cent ground cover.

This may take six to eight weeks from sowing under normal growth conditions.

If fattening stock on these crops, then continuous stocking may be the best strategy, but attention must be given to matching stocking rates with crop growth, as over grazing significantly reduces the plants ability to recover.

For the quickest recovery rate, do not graze below five to 10cm.

When rotational grazing, use high stocking rates to maximise grazing value of the crop by reducing waste from trampling or fouling with manure.

The plant can be kept productive in the vegetative stage for longer.

When using oats as a forage crop to fill autumn feeds gaps, consider how much nutrient is being taken from the soil.

Topdressing with small amounts of nitrogen after each grazing may be more efficient than applying heavy rates at sowing.

Care should always be taken when introducing stock to these highly digestible forage crops, as there are a number of animal health issues such as nitrate poisoning and grass tetany that can occur.

Never put hungry stock straight onto these crops; it’s best to limit access and observe stock regularly.