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About Amanda De Oliveira Silva

I have served as an Assistant Professor and Small Grains Extension Specialist at Oklahoma State University since August 2019. I believe that close interaction with producers is vital to understand their production strategies and to establish realistic research goals. My program focuses on developing science-based information to improve the agronomic and economic viability of small grains production in Oklahoma and in the Southern Great Plains.

Oklahoma Wheat Harvest Making Great Strides the Last Two Days – June 11, 2025

By: Oklahoma Wheat Commission

Oklahoma wheat harvest has producers cutting from the Oklahoma/Texas to Oklahoma/Kansas state line.  Harvest is moving fast in several regions where producers and crews have been able to get across the ground.  In several other locations producers have had to fight wet ground and mud making the process much slower.

**Test weights reported at all locations ranging from 58 lbs. to 63 lbs. per bushel, most of the wheat is still coming in at 60 lbs. per bushel or higher.  We have seen lower test weights in parts of Southern Oklahoma along the Hwy 281 corridor due to heavier rains in this region. (Several fields have also been abandoned and will never be harvested along the 281 corridor due to excessive flooding.) Yields across the state are being reported from the mid 30’s to mid 50’s for the most part. Producers with management intensive plans have been reporting yields in the mid 60’s to low 80’s. Protein across the state averaging 11.1%.  Due to several locations making great progress in parts of Southwest, Central, and North Central, OK the OWC is calling harvest 22% completed at the time of this report.  The next OWC harvest report will be published on Monday, June 16, 2025.

Southwest and Western Oklahoma-

Walters/Temple/Ahpeatone/Ryan/Hulen Harvest has not moved as fast in this region as in other locations in southwest Oklahoma due to excessive rain.  Producers have made progress in the last two days but still are fighting mud.  This region will have several fields abandoned due to excessive flooding.  The wheat that is coming in is still weighing decent at 58 lbs. to 60 lbs. per bushel, considering what the crop has gone through, with up to 20 inches of moisture in some places the last two months.  Yields ranging from the low 30’s to mid 40’s mostly for the wheat being harvested. Surprisingly, even with all the rain this area is reporting higher pockets of protein with a 12% protein average.

Apache- Producers have not been able to get into the fields in this region as they have been fighting excessive mud.  Moisture has been extremely high in this region as well.  One producer was reported to be harvesting and his test weight was averaging 61 lbs. per bushel.  No yields reported in this region at this time.

Frederick/Davidson Test weights on better wheat being harvested in this region reported higher than earlier in the week at 60 lbs. to 62 lbs. per bushel. Yields on wheat in this region reported to be making in the mid 30’s to mid 50’s depending on management practices. Proteins reported at 11.0% to 11.5%.

Carter/Brinkman/Lone WolfTest weights ranging from 59. lbs. to 61 lbs. per bushel. Yields being reported in the mid 30’s to mid 40’s, with some intensively managed wheat reported to be making in the low 50’s to mid 60’s. Proteins ranging from 11% to 12.2%.

Hobart- This area is just getting a good start as of yesterday, due to producers fighting excessive mud.  Test weights are averaging 62 lbs. for this location on early wheat being taken in.  Early reports of good wheat making in the mid 40’s to mid 50’s with some management intensive wheat making in the high 70’s to low 80’s.  Several reports from producers also show good wheat in this region if they are just able to get into the fields to get it harvested.

Sentinel/Rocky- Producers in this region just getting a good start yesterday as they have been fighting mud and high humidity.  Test weights on early cuttings reported at 59 lbs. to 61 lbs. per bushel.  Yields being reported in the mid 30’s to mid 40’s. Several producers opted to graze the wheat in this region which has impacted yield on early cuttings.  Protein ranging from 10.8% to 11.2%.

Cordell- No report today on early harvest cuttings.  Several acres from Clinton to Cordell region will not be harvested due to loss from severe hail damage.

Central Oklahoma

Greenfield- Harvest is picking up in this region on the East side of town.  Areas north and west of this region are still fighting mud with producers struggling to get into fields.  Test weights ranging from 58.5 lbs. to 62 lbs. per bushel.  Yields being reported from the mid 40’s to mid 60’s on the wheat being taken in today.  Protein ranging from 10.7% to 11.1%.

Okarche/Piedmont  – Producers getting a good start in this area as of yesterday. Test weights ranging from 59.1 to 62 lbs. per bushel. Yield averages reported in the mid 40’s with some management intensive wheat reported to be making in the mid 50’s to low 60’s. Protein is varying in this region, but East of Okarche into Piedmont region several higher proteins being reported with a 12.47% protein average on early cuttings.

Reeding- No report for this location as producers have been fighting mud.  They are hoping harvest will get rolling better in this area late this afternoon.

Kingfisher/Lomega/Hennessey- Test weights ranging from 59 lbs. to 63 lbs. per bushel depending on location and variety. Yields ranging in the mid 30’s to mid 40’s depending on management practices. Several producers have grazed heavily in this region which has impacted yield.  Producers that did not graze heavily with management intensive plans reporting yields in the mid 50’s to mid 60’s.  Proteins ranging from 10.5% to 11.2%.

Loyal/Fairview/Okeene/Meno/Lahoma- These locations had a busy day yesterday with producers being able to get into fields.  Test weight averages for the region ranging from 60lbs. to 61 lbs. per bushel. Some poorer fields making in the high 30’s to low 40’s, with other reports of good wheat to be making in the mid 40’s to low 50’s.  Proteins ranging from 10.8 to 11.5%.

North Central and Northern Oklahoma

McWillie/Helena/Goltry- Producers in McWillie/Helena area made great progress this past two days. Harvest has been slower by Goltry due to heavier rains.  Test weights ranging from 60lbs. to 62 lbs. per bushel.  Yields ranging from high 30’s to mid 50’s depending on management practices. Some intensively managed wheat reported to be making in the mid 60’s. No protein was reported at this time.

Kremlin/Hunter/Pond Creek- Test cuttings have been going on with some producers in this region, but nothing reported being taken in at elevator locations at this time, as producers are fighting mud and humidity. Several of the later varieties of wheat are still green in many fields.

Tonkawa/Ponca City/Blackwell/BramanAs of this morning Blackwell had received one load of grain, test weights and yields were not reported on the early cutting. It is still extremely wet in this region.

Northwest Oklahoma

Shattuck- Producers just getting started in this region. Early cuttings are on heavily grazed wheat reported as making in the low 30’s.  It is thought yields will get better if producers can get into the fields.   Test weights coming in at 60lbs. or higher.

Burlington- Producers were just getting started in this region yesterday.  No yields were reported at this location but test weights on early cuttings were 60 lbs. and higher.

Northeast Oklahoma

Afton/Miami- No grain has been taken in at these locations. Most wheat is ready in the region, but fields are too wet for combines to travel over. If weather cooperates it is predicted harvest should get rolling the beginning of next week.

Panhandle

**No wheat reported as being harvested in the Panhandle at this time.  It is thought that producers will be trying dryland wheat harvest the beginning of next week if it stays dry.

Below, see the 7-day forecast provided by the Oklahoma Mesonet.

NWS Days 1-5 Precipitation Forecast

The Days 1-5 Precipitation Forecast is produced by the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center for June 11-16, 2025.  See 2-Day Rainfall Accumulation (inches) measured by Oklahoma Mesonet.  Please note several places have high humidity and received large amounts of moisture over the past 5 days which has hindered harvest in many locations.

See Rain & Storm Chances for Wednesday and Thursday of this week.

Oklahoma Harvest Continues with Minor Cuttings Taking Place Over Weekend in Southwest and Central Oklahoma

By: The Oklahoma Wheat Commission

Oklahoma wheat harvest had several locations in Southwest and Central Oklahoma taking small amounts of grain as producers were trying to get into fields on Saturday and Sunday.  All locations were getting late starts due to high humidity and producers fighting mud from rains off and on over the past week.  Producers are hoping to get back into the fields this afternoon.

**Test weights reported at all locations ranging from 58 lbs. to 64 lbs. per bushel, most of the wheat is still coming in at 60 lbs. per bushel or higher. Yields are being reported from the mid 30’s to mid 40’s for the most part. Producers with management intensive plans have been reporting yields in the mid 50’s to mid 60’s. Protein on early cuttings reported from 10.8% to 11.5%.  Most locations reporting an 11% average.

Southwest and Western Oklahoma

Tipton-Test weights on early cuttings ranging from 60 lbs. to 61 lbs. per bushel. Yields on early cuttings ranging from mid 30’s to mid 40’s.  Some management intensive wheat making in the mid 60’s.  These are on early cuttings, moisture has been a challenge with producers getting early starts.

Frederick/DavidsonTest weights on early cuttings reported from 58 lbs. to 63 lbs. per bushel. Yields on early cuttings are decent with reports in the mid 30’s to mid 40’s. Early proteins reported at 11.0% to 11.2%.

Altus/ Roosevelt/Lone WolfTest weights on early loads ranging from 60 lbs. to 64 lbs. per bushel. Yields being reported in the mid 30’s to mid 40’s, with some intensively managed wheat reported to be making in the low to mid 50’s.

Sentinel-Test weights on early cuttings reported at 61 lbs. to 63 lbs. per bushel.  Yields on early cuttings being reported in the mid 40’s.  Protein ranging from 10.8% to 11.2%.

Rocky- No wheat had been taken in at this location over the weekend.  Producers hoping to get into the fields later this afternoon or tomorrow.

Central Oklahoma

Greenfield- A couple loads were taken in over the weekend.  Test weight was 58.5 lbs. per bushel.  Yields not reported. Protein not reported. Moisture on this cutting was 13.2% but other samples in the area were 14% or higher yesterday.  West of town got heavy rains last night, East and southeast of town producers are hopeful to get in the field late this afternoon.  Heavy rains reported North of Watonga yesterday evening.

Okarche/ Reeding/Kingfisher/Lomega- Test weights on early cuttings reported at 60 lbs. to 63 lbs. per bushel.  Yields reported in the mid 40’s with some management intensive wheat reported to be making in the mid 50’s. Protein reported from 10.9% to 11.2%.

No reports on wheat taken in at locations further North than Lomega, on the Hwy 33 corridor.  We did have one report of a producer who did some test cutting by Lahoma, but nothing was reported on those early cuttings.  A couple producers out by Fairview were hoping to try later this afternoon.  The Oklahoma Wheat Commission is calling harvest 5% complete as of today.

Below, see the 7-day forecast provided by the Oklahoma Mesonet.

NWS Days 1-2 Precipitation Forecast

The Days 1-2 Precipitation Forecast is produced by the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center for June 9-11, 2025.  See 2-Day Rainfall Accumulation (inches) measured by Oklahoma Mesonet.  Please note several places in the Panhandle, Northern and North Central Oklahoma got larger amounts of moisture than what has been reported by the Mesonet over the past 2 days.

Severe Weather Potential Indications for Thursday and Friday this week!

Oklahoma Wheat Harvest at a Standstill Due to Heavy Rains Across the State June 4, 2025

By: Oklahoma Wheat Commission

Oklahoma wheat harvest is at a standstill across the state today.  Some minor harvesting continued in parts of Southwest Oklahoma yesterday, but most places were rained out.  Southwest of Altus and North of Altus got heavy rains that moved East causing large amounts of moisture in Grady County and locations further east of the I-35 corridor.  Rains and high humidity also delayed harvest from taking place in Central Oklahoma.  More rains continue to be predicted starting tomorrow through the weekend across western Oklahoma.  The next Oklahoma harvest report will be published on Monday, June 9, 2025.

There is no new harvest report at this time, as most locations have not seen any harvest activity since Monday. To view Monday’s report, please refer to my previous post.

Below, see the 7-day forecast provided by the Oklahoma Mesonet and the 5-day precipitation forecast along with Monday and Tuesday storm potentials.

NWS Days 1-5 Precipitation Forecast

The Days 1-5 Precipitation Forecast is produced by the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center for June 4-9, 2025.  See 2-Day Rainfall Accumulation (inches) measured by Oklahoma Mesonet.

Severe Weather Potential Indications for Thursday and Friday this week!

2025 Oklahoma Wheat Harvest Starts in Southwest and Parts of Central Oklahoma

By: The Oklahoma Wheat Commission

Oklahoma wheat harvest has started in multiple locations with several locations reporting taking in wheat over this past weekend.  While harvest is getting a week later start than usual in Southwest Oklahoma, it appears earlier maturing varieties are set for cutting if producers can get over the ground. All locations in this report are considered to just be getting a good start. 

**Some test cutting began last week over Memorial Day weekend but nothing had been reported at elevator locations until this past weekend.  It appears a wider region of the state will be ready all at once when producers can get into fields.  Producers and elevator operators also have major concerns about the predicted moisture amounts for the coming week, starting tonight going through the overall week.   

Early reports in all locations show test weights ranging from 58.5 lbs. to 64 lbs. per bushel, with a large amount in the early reports coming in at 60 lbs. or higher.  Proteins on early reports ranging from 11.0% to 11.5%.  Early yields being reported at 25 to 45 bushels per acre for the most part.  Higher yields are predicted on intensively managed wheat with some smaller fields being reported in the mid 50’s.  It should be noted several acres across the state in Southern Oklahoma that were predicted to be harvested will never see a combine. (We have had some early county reports showing ½ the wheat acreage was lost due to severe flooding and lodging.    Several producers have also opted to cut down the crop for wheat hay in all areas of the state which is going to impact overall state yield.)

Southwest and Western Oklahoma

Grandfield/Devol/ChattanoogaTest weights on early cuttings reported at 58.5 lbs. to 61 lbs. per bushel. Yields ranging from the mid 20’s to mid 40’s depending on location.  Some reports on a smaller field that made in the low 50’s.  Protein ranging from 11.0% to 11.5%.

Walters/LawtonTest weights on early cuttings reported from 58.0 lbs. to 60.5 lbs. per bushel on limited cuttings. Yields ranging in the mid 20’s to mid 40’s. No protein reported on early cuttings.

Frederick/DavidsonTest weights on early cuttings reported from 58 lbs. to 63 lbs. per bushel. Yields on early cuttings are decent with reports in the mid 30’s to mid 40’s. Early proteins reported at 11.0% to 11.2%.

Brinkman/Altus/Lone WolfFirst load of wheat was taken in at Brinkman on Saturday, and Altus and Lone Wolf received grain yesterday. Test weights on early loads ranging from 62 lbs. to 64 lbs. per bushel.  No yields or protein was reported on early cuttings.  

Apache- No wheat has been taken at this location as of early this morning.

Cordell- No wheat has been taken at this location as of early this morning.

Central Oklahoma

Greenfield- One truck load was taken in over the weekend at 12.8 moisture.  Test weight was 60 lbs. per bushel.  Another 40 acre field was reported to be completed making a little over 50 bushels per acre. No protein reported on early cuttings.

Okarche/Kingfisher/Lomega- Test weights on early cuttings reported at 60 lbs. to 63 lbs. per bushel.  Yields reported in the mid 40’s with some management intensive wheat reported to be making in the mid 50’s. No protein reported on early cuttings.

Below, see the 7-day forecast provided by the Oklahoma Mesonet and the 5-day precipitation forecast along with Monday and Tuesday storm potentials.

NWS Days 1-5 Precipitation Forecast

The Days 1-5 Precipitation Forecast is produced by the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center

First Hollow Stem Update – 4/2/2025

Amanda de Oliveira Silva, Small Grains Extension Specialist

The first hollow stem stage indicates the beginning of stem elongation or just before the jointing stage. It is a good indicator of when producers should remove cattle from wheat pasture. This occurs when there is 1.5 cm (5/8”, or the diameter of a dime) of hollow stem below the developing grain head (see full explanation). 

The latest FHS results from OSU forage trials in Stillwater (Table 1) and Chickasha (Table 2) are listed below. For an additional resource and wheat update on FHS, see the Mesonet First Hollow Stem Advisor

OSU Small Grains Program monitors FHS occurrence on a twice-per-week basis

As in previous years, we will continue monitoring FHS occurrence in our wheat plots at Stillwater and Chickasha and share updates on this blog. In past years, our forage trials—where FHS samples are collected—were seeded early to simulate a grazed system, though forage was not removed. This method created an accelerated growth environment, allowing us to identify the earliest onset of FHS. Varieties that reach FHS earliest in these trials should be closely monitored in commercial fields.

This year, we are introducing a new approach by simulating grazing with a mower in the forage trial in Stillwater. This will allow us to compare whether varieties reach FHS at different times when grazed versus non-grazed. We hypothesize that the simulated grazing treatment will likely delay FHS relative to the non-grazed treatment, with FHS differences among varieties becoming less pronounced. We also hypothesize that the amount of delay will vary among varieties, such that an early-FHS variety in the non-grazed environment may appear more intermediate in its FHS arrival with canopy removal. This comparison will provide insight into how canopy removal from grazing impacts the timing of reproductive development.

The latest FHS results for each variety planted in our forage trials at Stillwater and Chickasha are summarized below (Tables 1 and 2). All varieties have reached the FHS threshold in Chickasha and Stillwater.

Table 1. First Hollow Stem (FHS) results for each wheat variety collected at Stillwater. Plots were planted on 10/11/24, with one section left unclipped and the other clipped to simulate grazing. The FHS threshold is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or approximately the diameter of a dime). Reported values represent the average of ten measurements per variety. Varieties that exceed the threshold are highlighted in red. For the simulated grazing, plots were mowed on January 3rd, 15th, 28th, February 10th, March 6th and 12th at a 2.5-3” cutting height, with the frequency representing a light grazing treatment.

Table 2. First Hollow Stem (FHS) results for each wheat variety collected at Chickasha. Plots were planted on 10/02/24, with all sections left unclipped (i.e., not grazed). The FHS threshold is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or approximately the diameter of a dime). Reported values represent the average of ten measurements per variety. Varieties that exceed the threshold are highlighted in red.

Contact your local Extension office and us if you have questions. 

Additional resources available:

Acknowledgments: 

Tyler Lynch, Senior Agriculturalist

Israel Molina Cyrineu, Graduate Research Assistant

Gilmar Machado, Visiting scholar

Rafael Moreira, Visiting scholar

Kenderson Reis, Visiting scholar

Francisco Arana, Visiting scholar

First Hollow Stem Update – 3/28/2025

Amanda de Oliveira Silva, Small Grains Extension Specialist

The first hollow stem stage indicates the beginning of stem elongation or just before the jointing stage. It is a good indicator of when producers should remove cattle from wheat pasture. This occurs when there is 1.5 cm (5/8”, or the diameter of a dime) of hollow stem below the developing grain head (see full explanation). 

The latest FHS results from OSU forage trials in Stillwater (Table 1) and Chickasha (Table 2) are listed below. For an additional resource and wheat update on FHS, see the Mesonet First Hollow Stem Advisor

OSU Small Grains Program monitors FHS occurrence on a twice-per-week basis

As in previous years, we will continue monitoring FHS occurrence in our wheat plots at Stillwater and Chickasha and share updates on this blog. In past years, our forage trials—where FHS samples are collected—were seeded early to simulate a grazed system, though forage was not removed. This method created an accelerated growth environment, allowing us to identify the earliest onset of FHS. Varieties that reach FHS earliest in these trials should be closely monitored in commercial fields.

This year, we are introducing a new approach by simulating grazing with a mower in the forage trial in Stillwater. This will allow us to compare whether varieties reach FHS at different times when grazed versus non-grazed. We hypothesize that the simulated grazing treatment will likely delay FHS relative to the non-grazed treatment, with FHS differences among varieties becoming less pronounced. We also hypothesize that the amount of delay will vary among varieties, such that an early-FHS variety in the non-grazed environment may appear more intermediate in its FHS arrival with canopy removal. This comparison will provide insight into how canopy removal from grazing impacts the timing of reproductive development.

The latest FHS results for each variety planted in our forage trials at Stillwater and Chickasha are summarized below (Tables 1 and 2). All varieties have reached the FHS threshold in Chickasha. In Stillwater, all varieties have reached FHS in the non-grazed plots, with only two varieties yet to reach FHS in the simulated grazed plots.

Table 1. First Hollow Stem (FHS) results for each wheat variety collected at Stillwater. Plots were planted on 10/11/24, with one section left unclipped and the other clipped to simulate grazing. The FHS threshold is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or approximately the diameter of a dime). Reported values represent the average of ten measurements per variety. Varieties that exceed the threshold are highlighted in red. For the simulated grazing, plots were mowed on January 3rd, 15th, 28th, February 10th, and March 6th at a 2.5-3” cutting height, with the frequency representing a light grazing treatment.

Table 2. First Hollow Stem (FHS) results for each wheat variety collected at Chickasha. Plots were planted on 10/02/24, with all sections left unclipped (i.e., not grazed). The FHS threshold is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or approximately the diameter of a dime). Reported values represent the average of ten measurements per variety. Varieties that exceed the threshold are highlighted in red.

Contact your local Extension office and us if you have questions. 

Additional resources available:

Acknowledgments: 

Tyler Lynch, Senior Agriculturalist

Israel Molina Cyrineu, Graduate Research Assistant

Gilmar Machado, Visiting scholar

Rafael Moreira, Visiting scholar

Kenderson Reis, Visiting scholar

Francisco Arana, Visiting scholar

Picture showing a hollow stem and developing wheat head

First Hollow Stem Update – 3/25/2025

Amanda de Oliveira Silva, Small Grains Extension Specialist

The first hollow stem stage indicates the beginning of stem elongation or just before the jointing stage. It is a good indicator of when producers should remove cattle from wheat pasture. This occurs when there is 1.5 cm (5/8”, or the diameter of a dime) of hollow stem below the developing grain head (see full explanation). 

The latest FHS results from OSU forage trials in Stillwater (Table 1) and Chickasha (Table 2) are listed below. For an additional resource and wheat update on FHS, see the Mesonet First Hollow Stem Advisor

OSU Small Grains Program monitors FHS occurrence on a twice-per-week basis

As in previous years, we will continue monitoring FHS occurrence in our wheat plots at Stillwater and Chickasha and share updates on this blog. In past years, our forage trials—where FHS samples are collected—were seeded early to simulate a grazed system, though forage was not removed. This method created an accelerated growth environment, allowing us to identify the earliest onset of FHS. Varieties that reach FHS earliest in these trials should be closely monitored in commercial fields.

This year, we are introducing a new approach by simulating grazing with a mower in the forage trial in Stillwater. This will allow us to compare whether varieties reach FHS at different times when grazed versus non-grazed. We hypothesize that the simulated grazing treatment will likely delay FHS relative to the non-grazed treatment, with FHS differences among varieties becoming less pronounced. We also hypothesize that the amount of delay will vary among varieties, such that an early-FHS variety in the non-grazed environment may appear more intermediate in its FHS arrival with canopy removal. This comparison will provide insight into how canopy removal from grazing impacts the timing of reproductive development.

The latest FHS results for each variety planted in our forage trials at Stillwater and Chickasha are summarized below (Tables 1 and 2). In Chickasha, all varieties have reached the FHS threshold, and in Stillwater, most varieties have reached FHS.

Table 1. First Hollow Stem (FHS) results for each wheat variety collected at Stillwater. Plots were planted on 10/11/24, with one section left unclipped and the other clipped to simulate grazing. The FHS threshold is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or approximately the diameter of a dime). Reported values represent the average of ten measurements per variety. Varieties that exceed the threshold are highlighted in red. For the simulated grazing, plots were mowed on January 3rd, 15th, 28th, February 10th, and March 6th at a 2.5-3” cutting height, with the frequency representing a light grazing treatment.

Table 2. First Hollow Stem (FHS) results for each wheat variety collected at Chickasha. Plots were planted on 10/02/24, with all sections left unclipped (i.e., not grazed). The FHS threshold is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or approximately the diameter of a dime). Reported values represent the average of ten measurements per variety. Varieties that exceed the threshold are highlighted in red.

Contact your local Extension office and us if you have questions. 

Additional resources available:

Acknowledgments: 

Tyler Lynch, Senior Agriculturalist

Israel Molina Cyrineu, Graduate Research Assistant

Gilmar Machado, Visiting scholar

Rafael Moreira, Visiting scholar

Kenderson Reis, Visiting scholar

Francisco Arana, Visiting scholar

Picture showing a hollow stem and developing wheat head

First Hollow Stem Update – 3/21/2025

Amanda de Oliveira Silva, Small Grains Extension Specialist

The first hollow stem stage indicates the beginning of stem elongation or just before the jointing stage. It is a good indicator of when producers should remove cattle from wheat pasture. This occurs when there is 1.5 cm (5/8”, or the diameter of a dime) of hollow stem below the developing grain head (see full explanation). 

The latest FHS results from OSU forage trials in Stillwater (Table 1) and Chickasha (Table 2) are listed below. For an additional resource and wheat update on FHS, see the Mesonet First Hollow Stem Advisor

OSU Small Grains Program monitors FHS occurrence on a twice-per-week basis

As in previous years, we will continue monitoring FHS occurrence in our wheat plots at Stillwater and Chickasha and share updates on this blog. In past years, our forage trials—where FHS samples are collected—were seeded early to simulate a grazed system, though forage was not removed. This method created an accelerated growth environment, allowing us to identify the earliest onset of FHS. Varieties that reach FHS earliest in these trials should be closely monitored in commercial fields.

This year, we are introducing a new approach by simulating grazing with a mower in the forage trial in Stillwater. This will allow us to compare whether varieties reach FHS at different times when grazed versus non-grazed. We hypothesize that the simulated grazing treatment will likely delay FHS relative to the non-grazed treatment, with FHS differences among varieties becoming less pronounced. We also hypothesize that the amount of delay will vary among varieties, such that an early-FHS variety in the non-grazed environment may appear more intermediate in its FHS arrival with canopy removal. This comparison will provide insight into how canopy removal from grazing impacts the timing of reproductive development.

The latest FHS results for each variety planted in our forage trials at Stillwater and Chickasha are summarized below (Tables 1 and 2). All varieties have reached the FHS threshold in Chickasha. In Stillwater, most varieties have reached FHS in the non-grazed plots, while those in the simulated grazed plots need a few more days.

Table 1. First Hollow Stem (FHS) results for each wheat variety collected at Stillwater. Plots were planted on 10/11/24, with one section left unclipped and the other clipped to simulate grazing. The FHS threshold is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or approximately the diameter of a dime). Reported values represent the average of ten measurements per variety. Varieties that exceed the threshold are highlighted in red. For the simulated grazing, plots were mowed on January 3rd, 15th, 28th, February 10th, and March 6th at a 2.5-3” cutting height, with the frequency representing a light grazing treatment.

Table 2. First Hollow Stem (FHS) results for each wheat variety collected at Chickasha. Plots were planted on 10/02/24, with all sections left unclipped (i.e., not grazed). The FHS threshold is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or approximately the diameter of a dime). Reported values represent the average of ten measurements per variety. Varieties that exceed the threshold are highlighted in red.

Contact your local Extension office and us if you have questions. 

Additional resources available:

Acknowledgments: 

Tyler Lynch, Senior Agriculturalist

Israel Molina Cyrineu, Graduate Research Assistant

Gilmar Machado, Visiting scholar

Rafael Moreira, Visiting scholar

Kenderson Reis, Visiting scholar

Francisco Arana, Visiting scholar

First Hollow Stem Update – 3/17/2025

Amanda de Oliveira Silva, Small Grains Extension Specialist

The first hollow stem stage indicates the beginning of stem elongation or just before the jointing stage. It is a good indicator of when producers should remove cattle from wheat pasture. This occurs when there is 1.5 cm (5/8”, or the diameter of a dime) of hollow stem below the developing grain head (see full explanation). 

The latest FHS results from OSU forage trials in Stillwater (Table 1) and Chickasha (Table 2) are listed below. For an additional resource and wheat update on FHS, see the Mesonet First Hollow Stem Advisor

OSU Small Grains Program monitors FHS occurrence on a twice-per-week basis

As in previous years, we will continue monitoring FHS occurrence in our wheat plots at Stillwater and Chickasha and share updates on this blog. In past years, our forage trials—where FHS samples are collected—were seeded early to simulate a grazed system, though forage was not removed. This method created an accelerated growth environment, allowing us to identify the earliest onset of FHS. Varieties that reach FHS earliest in these trials should be closely monitored in commercial fields.

This year, we are introducing a new approach by simulating grazing with a mower in the forage trial in Stillwater. This will allow us to compare whether varieties reach FHS at different times when grazed versus non-grazed. We hypothesize that the simulated grazing treatment will likely delay FHS relative to the non-grazed treatment, with FHS differences among varieties becoming less pronounced. We also hypothesize that the amount of delay will vary among varieties, such that an early-FHS variety in the non-grazed environment may appear more intermediate in its FHS arrival with canopy removal. This comparison will provide insight into how canopy removal from grazing impacts the timing of reproductive development.

The latest FHS results for each variety planted in our forage trials at Stillwater and Chickasha are summarized below (Tables 1 and 2). All varieties have reached the FHS threshold in Chickasha.

Table 1. First Hollow Stem (FHS) results for each wheat variety collected at Stillwater. Plots were planted on 10/11/24, with one section left unclipped and the other clipped to simulate grazing. The FHS threshold is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or approximately the diameter of a dime). Reported values represent the average of ten measurements per variety. Varieties that exceed the threshold are highlighted in red. For the simulated grazing, plots were mowed on January 3rd, 15th, 28th, February 10th, and March 6th at a 2.5-3” cutting height, with the frequency representing a light grazing treatment.

Table 2. First Hollow Stem (FHS) results for each wheat variety collected at Chickasha. Plots were planted on 10/02/24, with all sections left unclipped (i.e., not grazed). The FHS threshold is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or approximately the diameter of a dime). Reported values represent the average of ten measurements per variety. Varieties that exceed the threshold are highlighted in red.

Contact your local Extension office and us if you have questions. 

Additional resources available:

Acknowledgments: 

Tyler Lynch, Senior Agriculturalist

Israel Molina Cyrineu, Graduate Research Assistant

Gilmar Machado, Visiting scholar

Rafael Moreira, Visiting scholar

Kenderson Reis, Visiting scholar

Francisco Arana, Visiting scholar

Photo of a wheat plant with stem split lengthways showing the hollow stem and the developing wheat head

First Hollow Stem Update – 3/14/2025

Amanda de Oliveira Silva, Small Grains Extension Specialist

The first hollow stem stage indicates the beginning of stem elongation or just before the jointing stage. It is a good indicator of when producers should remove cattle from wheat pasture. This occurs when there is 1.5 cm (5/8”, or the diameter of a dime) of hollow stem below the developing grain head (see full explanation). 

The latest FHS results from OSU forage trials in Stillwater (Table 1) and Chickasha (Table 2) are listed below. For an additional resource and wheat update on FHS, see the Mesonet First Hollow Stem Advisor

OSU Small Grains Program monitors FHS occurrence on a twice-per-week basis

As in previous years, we will continue monitoring FHS occurrence in our wheat plots at Stillwater and Chickasha and share updates on this blog. In past years, our forage trials—where FHS samples are collected—were seeded early to simulate a grazed system, though forage was not removed. This method created an accelerated growth environment, allowing us to identify the earliest onset of FHS. Varieties that reach FHS earliest in these trials should be closely monitored in commercial fields.

This year, we are introducing a new approach by simulating grazing with a mower in the forage trial in Stillwater. This will allow us to compare whether varieties reach FHS at different times when grazed versus non-grazed. We hypothesize that the simulated grazing treatment will likely delay FHS relative to the non-grazed treatment, with FHS differences among varieties becoming less pronounced. We also hypothesize that the amount of delay will vary among varieties, such that an early-FHS variety in the non-grazed environment may appear more intermediate in its FHS arrival with canopy removal. This comparison will provide insight into how canopy removal from grazing impacts the timing of reproductive development.

The latest FHS results for each variety planted in our forage trials at Stillwater and Chickasha are summarized below (Tables 1 and 2). Some varieties have reached the FHS threshold.

Table 1. First Hollow Stem (FHS) results for each wheat variety collected at Stillwater. Plots were planted on 10/11/24, with one section left unclipped and the other clipped to simulate grazing. The FHS threshold is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or approximately the diameter of a dime). Reported values represent the average of ten measurements per variety. Varieties that exceed the threshold are highlighted in red. For the simulated grazing, plots were mowed on January 3rd, 15th, 28th, February 10th, and March 6th at a 2.5-3” cutting height, with the frequency representing a light grazing treatment.

Table 2. First Hollow Stem (FHS) results for each wheat variety collected at Chickasha. Plots were planted on 10/02/24, with all sections left unclipped (i.e., not grazed). The FHS threshold is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or approximately the diameter of a dime). Reported values represent the average of ten measurements per variety. Varieties that exceed the threshold are highlighted in red.

Contact your local Extension office and us if you have questions. 

Additional resources available:

Acknowledgments: 

Tyler Lynch, Senior Agriculturalist

Israel Molina Cyrineu, Graduate Research Assistant

Gilmar Machado, Visiting scholar

Rafael Moreira, Visiting scholar

Kenderson Reis, Visiting scholar

Francisco Arana, Visiting scholar