First hollow stem is the optimal time to remove cattle from wheat pasture (full explanation). We measure first hollow in our September-sown wheat forage plots at Stillwater each year, and normally have approximately 50% of varieties at or past first hollow stem by March 1st. I have posted first hollow stem measurements from these plots in a table at the end of this blog. As of Monday the varieties, Billings, Gallagher, Iba, Bentley, NF101, WB-Cedar, WB4458, Winterhawk, WB4515, WB4721, WB4303, SY Flint, Sy Llano, SY Drifter, SY Razor, SY Grit, Everest, and Zenda were all at or past first hollow stem at Stillwater. Please note that WB4515 was incorrectly labeled as WB4455 in the past couple of posts. Also note that experimental line OK0728W has been released as Stardust hard white winter wheat. We will take another set of measurements at the end of this week and report the results on this blog.

Keep in mind that the numbers reported from Stillwater are likely behind those being observed in southern Oklahoma and ahead of those observed in northern Oklahoma. The First Hollow Stem Advisor on the Oklahoma Mesonet can provide an indication of where varieties are regarding first hollow stem in your area.