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 Made Great Strides Over the Weekend

Posted on June 10, 2024 by Amanda De Oliveira Silva

By: The Oklahoma Wheat Commission

Oklahoma wheat harvest made good progress in most regions over the weekend. Rain showers in parts of the Panhandle region delayed harvest on dryland production, but producers are hopeful to get moving again later today or tomorrow. Some light showers in other parts of Western Oklahoma and Southern Oklahoma delayed producers in some parts, but for the most part it did not hinder combines from rolling over the weekend in those areas. Elevator locations reporting a lot of movement in all areas. Harvest still moving from the Oklahoma/Texas border to the Oklahoma/Kansas border, with larger percentages completed in Southwest, Western and Central Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Wheat Commission is calling wheat harvest for the state 55% complete.

Southwest and Western Oklahoma

Grandfield/Chattanooga/Lawton- Producers made great progress in the area over the weekend after heavy rains early last week delayed harvest. Test weight has dropped slightly in all regions with some weights now coming in at 57lbs. to 59lbs. per bushel. (A large portion of this region was harvested before the heavy rains, so this area will still be looking at above 60 plus test weights for the harvest season.) Yields are still favorable ranging from the low 40’s to low 50’s. Protein averages being reported from 10.5% to 12%, with overall average at 11.0% to 11.2%. These locations reporting 85%-90%complete.

Altus/Roosevelt/Lone Wolf/Hobart- A large amount of progress was made in these areas over the weekend. Test weights have dropped slightly this week but still holding a 60 plus average for the entire region. Yields reported as ranging from the low 40’s to mid 50’s. Some higher intensively managed wheat making in the low 60’s to low 70’s. Proteins in the region ranging from 9% to 14%. Protein average for the region coming in at 11.5%. These locations are reported at 70% complete.

Sentinel/Rocky-A large amount of the area was cut out over the weekend in this region. Test weights are still holding up ranging from 60lbs. to 62lbs. per bushel for the most part. Yields ranging from the mid 40’s to mid 50’s. Some highly intensive managed production have reports of some fields making in the 70’s. Proteins in this area are averaging 11.5% to 12%. These locations are reporting 60% complete

Central Oklahoma

El Reno- Producers made a great deal of progress in this region over the weekend. Yields in the region ranging from the mid 40’s to the mid 50’s for the most part. Test weights averaging 60 lbs. per bushel and above. Proteins varying across the board from 9% to 13%. More higher than lower proteins reported for the region calling the average 11.5% to 12%. This location is reported at 70% complete.

Reeding/Kingfisher/Omega/Okeene- Test weights ranging from 60 lbs. to 62 lbs. per bushel, as they have dropped slightly with the rains but overall are holding up. Yields ranging from mid 40’s to low 50’s for the most part. Some higher yields have been noted in low to mid 60’s on fields with some pushing 70 on wheat that was intensively managed. Protein ranging from 9% to 13.5%. Right now it is looking like an 11.0% to 11.2% average for the region. Harvest in the Kingfisher and Reeding locations reported at 60 to 65% complete. Harvest in the Omega and Okeene regions reported at 30 to 40% complete.

Northern Oklahoma

Kremlin/Hunter/Lamont- Harvest had good movement over the weekend in this region. Test weights ranging from 60lbs. to 62 lbs. per bushel. Yields ranging in the low 40’s to low 50’s on early cuttings. Fields with high management intensive systems being reported with yields as high as 70 bushels per acre. Early reports on protein showing an 11.5% to 12% average. These locations reported at 25 percent complete.

Tonkawa/Blackwell/Ponca City- Harvest had good movement over the weekend in this region. Test weights have been favorable at 60lbs. per bushel and above. Yields being reported in the mid 40’s to mid 50’s for the most part. Protein being reported at 11.5% to 13.5%. These locations reported at 20 percent complete.

Burlington-A lot of movement took place in this area over the weekend. Test weights are ranging from 59lbs. to 62lbs. per bushel depending on variety. Most test weights are still 60lbs. per bushel and above. Yields in the region are ranging from the low 40’s to mid 50’s for the most part. Fields that struggled due to lack of rain earlier had been abandoned so those numbers are not reported in this report. Proteins being reported at 11.2% to 11.5% This location is reported at 30% to 40% complete.

Camargo/Shattuck/Fort Supply- Producers also got rolling in these areas over the weekend. Much of this region had extreme drought conditions although the wheat in the Camargo area is reported to be doing better as they had more moisture over the season. Test weights reported at 61 lbs. per bushel and above. Yields being reported at 25 bushels per acre for the most part, but down by Camargo some higher yields around 40 bushels per acre have been reported. Proteins averaging 11% to 11.2%. These locations are reported at 10% complete.

Panhandle of Oklahoma

Turpin/Baker/Hooker- Rains in these regions delayed harvest over the weekend on dryland production. It is thought producers might start getting into irrigated wheat by the end of this week. Dryland yields being reported from high 20’s to mid 40’s depending on rainfall and management practices. Test weights ranging from 60 lbs. to 61 lbs. per bushel. Proteins ranging from 12.5% to 13%. These locations reported at 10% complete.

Northeast Oklahoma

Afton/Miami- Harvest made a good start in the region beginning on last Thursday. Yields on the Hard Red Winter (HRW) reported at 60 to 70 bushels per acre. Yields on the Soft Red Winter (SRW) reported at 70 to 90 bushels per acre. Test weights ranging from 58 lbs. to 60 lbs. per bushel, with some higher test weights being reported as they get into better wheat. No proteins reported for the wheat in this area. In this region 40% of the production will be HRW and 60% will be SRW wheat. These locations reported at 30% complete.

Wheat Classes And What They Are Used For

Hard Red Winter (HRW) – A versatile wheat with excellent milling and baking characteristics for pan bread. Hard Red Winter wheat is also a choice for Asian noodles, hard rolls, flat breads, general purpose flour and cereal.

Soft Red Winter (SRW) – A versatile, weak-gluten wheat with excellent milling and baking characteristics suited for cookies, crackers, pretzels, pastries and flat breads.

General Report. At the time of reporting today, test weights were ranging from 58 to 64 lbs. per bushel for the most part. Most test weights are now ranging from 60lbs. to 61 lbs. per bushel across the state. Proteins ranging from 9% to 13.5%, with an overall average of proteins being at 11.8% as of today. Yields being reported at 40 to 50 bushels per acre in most regions. Higher yields being reported on intensively managed wheat with some yields on a few fields being reported in the mid 60’s to low 70’s. The Oklahoma Wheat Commission is calling the state 55% complete with harvest. The next Oklahoma Wheat Commission Harvest report will be published on Thursday, June 13, 2024.

Below, see the 7-day forecast provided by the Oklahoma Mesonet. No storm alert advisories for the week were published at the time of this report.

Harvest Starts Rolling Again in Most Regions of the State

Posted on June 6, 2024 by Amanda De Oliveira Silva

By: The Oklahoma Wheat Commission

Oklahoma wheat harvest just got started again late yesterday afternoon and last night in most regions, with a lot of test cutting going on in Northern Oklahoma. Producers in all regions of the state are hopeful to get moving today. Harvest will be moving from the Oklahoma/Texas border to the Oklahoma/Kansas border. The Oklahoma Wheat Commission is calling wheat harvest for the state 25% complete.

Southwest and Western Oklahoma

Grandfield/Chattanooga/Lawton- This region has been plagued by heavy rains this past week. Areas around Chattanooga received 4 to 5 inches of moisture while Grandfield and Lawton also received 1 inch to 1 ½ inches of moisture. Test weight has dropped slightly in all regions with some weights now coming in at 58lbs. to 59lbs. per bushel. Yields are still favorable ranging from the low 40’s to low 50’s. Protein averages being reported from 10.5% to 12%, with overall average at 11.0% to 11.2%. These locations reporting 60 percent complete.

Southwest and Western Oklahoma

Altus/Roosevelt/Lone Wolf/Hobart- Wheat harvest in this region has been slowed by rains and high humidity days early in the week, but in most of these locations harvest got rolling again yesterday. Test weights have dropped slightly this week but this region still holding 61lb. to 62lb. test weight averages depending on location. Yields reported as ranging from the low 40’s to mid 50’s. Some higher intensively managed wheat making in the low 60’s to low 70’s. Proteins in the region ranging from 9% to 14%. Protein average for the region coming in at 11.5%. These locations reporting 30 to 35 percent complete.

Apache- Harvest has been slower to start in this region with the on and off rains the past two weeks. Before the rains test weights were 61lbs. to 63lbs. per bushel. Test weights have dropped some but certain varieties are proving to hold up better. Yields being reported making low 40’s to low 50’s. Some highly intensive managers reporting yields in the 60’s to 70’s at this location, which tends to always be a bright spot for production. Early protein reports show an average of 11.2% to 11.5%. This area is 7 percent complete.

Cordell-Harvest got started again late yesterday afternoon in this area. Test weights have dropped slightly with the rains this past week and are ranging from 59lbs. to 61lbs. per bushel. Many varieties are still holding up well even with the rains. Yields ranging from the mid 40’s to mid 50’s. Proteins in this area are averaging 12%. This location is reporting 15 to 20 complete.

Central Oklahoma

Reeding/Kingfisher/Omega/Okeene- Test weights ranging from 60 lbs. to 62 lbs. per bushel, as they have dropped slightly with the rains but overall are holding up. Yields ranging from mid 40’s to low 50’s for the most part. Some higher yields have been noted in low to mid 60’s on fields with some pushing 70 on wheat that was intensively managed. Protein ranging from 9% to 13.5%. Right now it is looking like an 11.0% to 11.2% average for the region. Harvest in the Kingfisher locations reported at 20 percent complete. Rains in the Omega/Loyal and Reeding areas hindered progress and are 10% complete.

Northern Oklahoma

Kremlin/Hunter/Lamont- Early cuttings showing test weight ranging from 60lbs. to 62 lbs. per bushel as producers got into fields late yesterday in this area. Yields ranging in the low 40’s to low 50’s on early cuttings. Early reports on protein showing an 11.5% to 12% average. These locations reporting less than 5 percent complete.

Tonkawa/Blackwell– Harvest still at a standstill at the time of this report today, due to heavy rains. These regions reporting less than 5 percent complete.

Burlington- Last night harvest got a good start in this region. Test weights are ranging from 59lbs. to 62lbs. per bushel depending on variety. No yields on early cutting being reported but it is thought in some areas that production will be better than what was previously thought. Locations based on rainfall and planting dates are showing their will be two different crops in this region. Early protein reports ranging from 12% to 14%. This region reporting less than 5% complete.

Panhandle of Oklahoma

Turpin/Baker/Hooker- Cutting on dryland wheat has begun out by Turpin and Baker. Nothing had been taken in at Hooker as of this morning. Yields ranging from 20 to 50 bushels depending on location and planting date. No test weights or proteins reported at this time.

Northeast Oklahoma

Afton/Miami- No wheat has been taken in at these locations as of today. Producers were hopeful to start cutting late this afternoon.

General Report

Reports in all locations show test weights ranging from 59 to 65 lbs. per bushel for the most part. We have some regions now reporting some 58lb. to 59 lb. test weights in parts of Southern Oklahoma, but overall most test weights are still holding at 60lbs. or higher across the state. Proteins ranging from 9% to 13.5%, with an overall average of proteins being reported higher than last week now at 11.7%. Early yields being reported at 40 to 50 bushels per acre in most regions. Higher yields being reported on intensively managed wheat with some yields on a few fields being reported in the mid 60’s to low 70’s. It is thought that in parts of Northwest Oklahoma the wheat in some areas has recovered, however there are still several parts in far Northwest Oklahoma and the Panhandle that will have lower yields due to persistent drought. The Oklahoma Wheat Commission is calling the state 25% complete with harvest. The next Oklahoma Wheat Commission Harvest report will be published on Monday, June 10, 2024.

Below, see the 7-day forecast and storm potential outlook for this evening thru the weekend provided by the Oklahoma Mesonet.

Harvest Makes Minor Strides Over the Past Weekend

Posted on June 4, 2024 by Amanda De Oliveira Silva

By: The Oklahoma Wheat Commission

Oklahoma wheat harvest moved at an extremely slow pace over the weekend in most regions due to continued rains and high humidity. We had a few locations take in large amounts in the Central part of the state late Saturday afternoon. The wheat across the state is ready in most all regions, but rainfall is keeping producers from making progress. We had some small amounts taken in as far North as Shattuck, and have heard test cutting on dryland wheat in the Panhandle, but no reports on what was harvested in the Panhandle out by Hooker. If it turns dry it is thought dryland wheat harvest in the Panhandle will get a good start either the middle of this week or by late week. In the Northeast part of the state over by Afton and Miami the wheat will most likely be ready by the end of the week, once things dry out. The Oklahoma Wheat Commission is calling wheat harvest for the state 21% complete.

Southwest and Western Oklahoma

Grandfield/Chattanooga/Lawton- Wheat harvest made some progress in this region before the weekend, but heavy rains delayed much greater progress from being made from previous reports. Yields ranging from the low 40’s to low 50’s. Heavily grazed wheat having the lower yields in the high 20’s to low 30’s. It has been noted some intensively managed fields have been yielding 50, with a few yields in the lower 70’s being reported. Test weights ranging from 60lbs. to 65lbs. per bushel with an occasional 59 lb. test weight now being reported. Protein averages being reported from 10.5% to 12%, with the overall average being around 11.0% to 11.2%. These locations reporting 50 to 60 percent complete.

Altus/Roosevelt/Lone Wolf/Hobart- Wheat harvest in this region has been slowed by rains and high humidity days. Some places around Altus received 2 to 3 inches of moisture over the weekend. Test weights on wheat cuttings prior to the rains this weekend were 61 plus for the area. Yields reported as ranging from the low 40’s to mid 50’s. Some higher intensively managed wheat making in the low 60’s to low 70’s. Proteins in the region ranging from 9% to 14%. Protein average for the region coming in at 11.5%. These locations reporting 25 percent complete.

Sentinel/Rocky-Producers had a good start last weekend but high humidity days and moisture over the past week have hindered much progress from being made. Test weights ranging from 60 to 62 lbs. per bushel. Yields being reported from 30 bushels to mid 50’s. The lower yields are on heavily grazed fields. Some higher yields are expected once producers start getting into better wheat. Proteins in this region have been favorable ranging from 12% to 15%. They are calling the average in this region at 13%. These locations reporting 5 percent complete.

Central Oklahoma

Okarche/Piedmont- Producers struggled with high humidity days and small amounts of moisture this past week. A large amount of wheat was taken in at these locations on Saturday afternoon/evening. Test weights reported at 60 plus on what was taken in before the rains this morning. Protein reports on early cuttings ranging all over the board from 9% to 13.5%. Right now it looks like the region is averaging 11.5%. Proteins are extremely favorable in the Eastern part of this region. Yields are being reported from the mid 40’s to mid 50’s, with some higher yields being reported in the mid 60’s to low 70’s on fields with intensive management. These locations reporting 25 to 30 percent complete

Reeding/Kingfisher/Omega/Okeene- Test weights ranging from 61 lbs. to 65 lbs. per bushel, on wheat taken in before the rains this morning. Yields ranging from mid 40’s to low 50’s for the most part. Some higher yields have been noted in low to mid 60’s on fields with some pushing 70 on wheat that was intensively managed. Protein ranging from 9% to 13.5%. Right now it is looking like an 11.0% to 11.2% average for the region. Harvest in the Reeding/Kingfisher locations reported at 15 to 25 percent complete, in the Omega/Okeene regions reported at less than 5 percent complete.

Northern Oklahoma

Medford/Pond Creek/Ponca City/Blackwell- Early cuttings showing test weight ranging from 60lbs. to 62 lbs. per bushel before the rains this morning. Yields ranging in the low 40’s to low 50’s on early cuttings. No protein on early cuttings reported at this time. These locations reporting less than 5 percent complete.

Burlington- Nothing has been taken in at this location as of today. Rains will most likely delay harvest until late in the week, if it does start to dry out. It is thought custom harvesters will start to arrive later this week.

Shattuck- Some small amounts were taken in over the weekend. Test weights on what was received had a 61lb. per bushel average. Protein average on early loads at 11.2%. No yields on early cuttings reported, but a lot of wheat in this area planned to make around 20 to 25 bushels per acre due to the long period of drought up until this point. Heavy rains today will hinder much progress until late in the week if it does start to dry out.

Camargo/Fort Supply- Nothing has been taken in at these locations as of today.

Panhandle of Oklahoma

Hooker- Some test cutting took place over the weekend in parts of Texas County but nothing has been reported on what was harvested. It is thought that dryland harvest will begin in the middle or by the end of the week depending on if it rains or not.

Northeast Oklahoma

Afton/Miami- No wheat has been taken in at these locations as of today. The wheat would be ready to harvest on early varieties, but more rainfall is predicted over the next two days for this region, so producers are hopeful to get into the fields this coming weekend or early next week.

General Report

Reports in all locations show test weights ranging from 60 to 65 lbs. per bushel for the most part. We have some regions now reporting an occasional 59 lb. test weight in parts of South Central Oklahoma. These numbers are reported on what was hauled in before the rains that came across the state this morning. Proteins ranging from 9% to 13.5%, with an overall average of proteins being reported at 11.0% to 11.2%. We are hearing reports of higher proteins in parts of Central Oklahoma, that hopefully will help with the overall state-wide averages. Early yields being reported at 40 to 50 bushels per acre in most regions. Higher yields being reported on intensively managed wheat with some yields on a few fields being reported in the mid 60’s to low 70’s. It is thought that in parts of Northwest Oklahoma the wheat in some areas has recovered however we are hearing predictions that we will see a lot of 25 bushel wheat in far regions of Northwest Oklahoma. Also some areas of the Panhandle that received timely moisture will have some good dryland wheat, but several areas will not be harvested on the dryland. The Oklahoma Wheat Commission is calling the state 21% complete with harvest. The next Oklahoma Wheat Commission Harvest report will be published on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

Below, see the 6-10 day temperature outlook and storm potential outlook for this evening and Tuesday provided by the Oklahoma Mesonet.

Harvest Makes Progress in Southern Oklahoma, Wheat Ready in Parts of Central Oklahoma, but Delayed by Rain

Posted on May 23, 2024 by Amanda De Oliveira Silva

By: The Oklahoma Wheat Commission

Oklahoma wheat harvest made good strides the last few days in parts of Southwest, Oklahoma. Producers as far North in the Okarche and Reeding area were also able to start earlier in the week before rains delayed progress on Wednesday morning. Samples and small cuttings were taken in at Greenfield. Cooler temperatures made for a late start in a lot of areas yesterday. High humidity, cloudy weather, with fog and mist today have hindered anything being cut this morning. Predicted rains late this afternoon/evening and over the weekend will likely stall progress over the Memorial Day weekend. Wheat being taken in at all locations show favorable yields and quality.

Devol/Grandfield/Chattanooga- This area has taken in a lot of wheat over the past 5 to 7 days, with approximately 15 percent of the crop harvested. Yields are ranging from the low 20’s to high 40’s for the most part. Heavily grazed wheat having the lower yields. It has been noted some intensively managed fields have been yielding 50, with a few yields in the lower 70’s being reported. Test weights ranging from 60lbs. to 65lbs. per bushel. Protein averages being reported from 10.5% to 12%, with the overall average being around 11.0% to 11.2%.

Frederick- Great strides have been made in this area until cooler temperatures and higher humidities yesterday. Yields being reported from as low as 25 to as high as 50 bushels per acre depending on management and whether or not it was grazed. Test weights reported from 60lbs. to 63lbs. per bushel. Protein average at 10.5%

Altus/Lone Wolf- Yields in this region mainly ranging from 35 to 40 bushels per acre. A couple of intensively managed fields making above 60 bushels per acre being reported. Test weights ranging from 60 lbs. to 64 lbs. per bushel. Harvest just getting a good start at these locations so no protein reports being made at this time. (Test cuttings and samples have been taken in at Hobart, Gotebo, Roosevelt, Sentinel, Rocky, Dill City and Cordell, but no actual reports being made until harvest starts in these regions.)

Greenfield- Early test weights being reported on one field making 58.5 lbs. per bushel. Protein was reported at 13%, no yields reported.

Okarche- Early cuttings reporting yields from 40 to 45 bushels per acre. Test weights reported at 61 lbs. to 62 lbs. per bushel. Protein reports on early cuttings coming in at 13.5%

Reeding- Early cuttings on a couple fields in this region had reports of yields making 45 to 50 bushels per acre. Test weights ranging from 60lbs. to 62lbs. per bushel. No proteins being reported on the early cuttings.

Early reports in all locations show test weights ranging from 60 to 65 lbs. per bushel. Proteins ranging from 10.5% to 13.5%, with an overall average of proteins being reported at 11.0% to 11.2%. The wheat being harvested in Southwest Oklahoma has not been stressed as much, so it is thought proteins will get higher as harvest progresses North where we have drought stress. Early yields being reported at 40 to 45 bushels per acre in most regions. Higher yields being reported on intensively managed wheat with some yields on a few fields being reported in the mid 60’s to low 70’s. The regions where this is being reported is considered the bright spot of the state for growing conditions this year. The state has received a large amount of hail damage in South Central, Southwest, and Northern, Oklahoma over the past two weeks. Producers are hoping future predicted storms for tonight and over the weekend subside. The next harvest report to be published will be Tuesday, May 28^th. In honor of all the Veterans and Active Service members the Oklahoma Wheat Commission wants to wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day weekend!

Below, see the 6-10 day precipitation and storm potential outlook provided by the Oklahoma Mesonet.

Oklahoma Wheat Harvest for 2024 Season Begins in Southwest Oklahoma

Posted on May 21, 2024 by Amanda De Oliveira Silva

By: The Oklahoma Wheat Commission

Oklahoma wheat harvest has started in multiple locations in Southwest, Oklahoma over the weekend, with the wheat being 10 days ahead of normal schedule. It has been reported that over 100,000 bushels was received between locations at Grandfield and Devol. Trucks have also been received at Frederick. Early cutting has also started around Temple, Walters and Chattanooga. Test cutting has taken place around Altus with some producers hoping to start this afternoon.

Early reports in all locations show test weights ranging from 60 to 63 lbs. per bushel. (The wheat reported at 60 lbs. per bushel was at a higher moisture level, so producers are hopeful as moisture goes down test weights will still go up.)

Proteins ranging from 11.1% to 12.5% with more of the proteins on early cuttings being reported in the 11.9% to 12.5% range. Early yields being reported at 40 to 45 bushels per acre. Higher yields are predicted on intensively managed wheat. Keep in mind this region has been considered the bright spot of the state for growing conditions this year. The state has received a large amount of hail damage in South Central, Oklahoma last night with large amounts of hail damage in other regions of Southwest Oklahoma and Northern Oklahoma over the past two weeks. A more comprehensive report will be published on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

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

2024 OSU Wheat Plot Tours and wheat status

Posted on April 19, 2024 by Amanda De Oliveira Silva

Howdy folks! It is that time of the year. The OSU Wheat Plot Tours have been scheduled, and the schedule is posted on the wheat website click here and also pasted below.

Wheat is looking good for the most part, especially when compared to last year. Some parts of the state are very dry (see picture below of the wheat in Cherokee). We could use some rain. Stripe rust showed up early in the season, which caused wheat leaf damage, especially on the wheat in the southwest region. We are still seeing it spreading throughout the state. Many fungicide applications happened in the past weeks.

In the plot tours, we will discuss wheat management practices and varieties, including their differences in disease resistance, grazing and yield potential, and other traits. In Apache and Kildare, you will be able to see our research on planting date, seeding rate, and varieties.

We will also have a field day at Rendel Farms in Miami, OK, on May 2nd. We will discuss the on-farm research being conducted there on planting date, seeding rate, and varieties. Drs. Arnall and Lofton will discuss their work as well.

We hope to see you there!

Cheers,

Amanda

*Wheat variety trial at Chickasha on April 3rd, 2024. Photo: Joao Ferro, undergraduate visiting scholar in the Small Grains Lab*

*Wheat with stripe rust at the Lahoma variety trial on April 18, 2024. Photo: Juan Dietz, visiting research scholar in the Small Grains Lab.*

*Wheat variety trial at Cherokee on April 19th, 2024. Photo: Juan Dietz, visiting research scholar in the Small Grains Lab.*

First Hollow Stem Update – 3/6/2024

Posted on March 6, 2024 by Amanda De Oliveira Silva

Amanda de Oliveira Silva, Small Grains Extension Specialist

First hollow stem (FHS) is the optimal time to 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.

We use an accelerated growth system to report the earliest onset of FHS stage. Trials are seeded early to simulate a grazed system, but the forage is not removed. Varieties reported here with the earliest FHS date should be the first to monitor in commercial fields. In practice, wheat that is grazed will likely reach FHS stage later than reported here, and differences between varieties will likely be moderate.

Table 1. First hollow stem (FHS) results for each variety collected at Stillwater. Plots were planted on 09/18/23 but not grazed or clipped. The threshold target for FHS is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or the diameter of a dime). The value of hollow stem for each variety represents the average of ten measurements. Varieties exceeding the threshold are highlighted in red.

Table 2. First hollow stem (FHS) results for each variety collected at Chickasha. Plots were planted on 09/21/23 but not grazed or clipped. The threshold target for FHS is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or the diameter of a dime). The value of hollow stem for each variety represents the average of ten measurements. Varieties exceeding the threshold are highlighted in red.