First hollow stem (FHS) is the optimal time to remove cattle from wheat pasture (full explanation). Wheat growth at our Stillwater location has continued to progress rapidly. Listed below is the second set of FHS measurements from this location (Table 1). These measurements were collected from plots that were not grazed. The point of reference I gave the last post was approximately 50% of the varieties reach or pass FHS by March 1 at Stillwater under normal conditions. Of the 31 wheat varieties we took measurements on today, 20 of those have reached FHS. That brings the total to 51 out of 62 wheat varieties (82%) which have reached FHS. 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 can provide an estimate of first hollow stem progress in your area.

Table 1. First hollow stem (FHS) results by variety collected at Stillwater on 2/17/17 and 2/21/17. Plots were sown on 9/13/16. The threshold target for FHS is 1.5 cm (approximately the diameter of a dime). The amount of hollow stem for each variety represents the average of ten measurements. Varieties that have reached FHS are highlighted in red.