What oat variety should I sow on the wheatbelt for grain that can also be cut for hay?
We stock Bannister Oats, a widely grown milling-type oat in WA that growers use for grain and, in some systems, oaten hay. Oats generally suit medium rainfall wheatbelt paddocks and a wide range of soils. Talk to us about whether Bannister suits your end use, rainfall and paddock history.
Can I graze an oat crop over winter and still take it through to grain?
Many growers lightly graze oats before stem elongation and then lock them up for grain or hay. Bannister Oats can be managed this way, but grazing may reduce grain yield, especially in a tight season. Graze only when plants are well anchored, and remove stock before the first node appears.
When is the best time to sow oats in WA's Great Southern?
Oats such as our Bannister Oats are usually sown from autumn through early winter after a reliable break. Sowing too early on a false break risks moisture stress, while late sowing can cut yield. Sow into moist soil at a typical cereal depth, and adjust the seeding rate for your rainfall and soil type. Talk to us for current guidance.
What oats should I choose for oaten hay rather than pure grazing?
If grain and hay are your main goals, Bannister Oats is worth discussing with us. If you want bulk grazing, we would steer you to our Ezigraze Forage Oats or fine-stemmed Saia Oats. Hay oats are generally cut around flowering to early milk for a good balance of yield and quality.
Is Bannister Oats safe for horses?
Oats are traditionally regarded as safe, palatable feed for horses, and oaten hay is widely fed. As with any cereal forage, lush young oats can accumulate nitrate after stress such as frost or drought, so introduce animals gradually. Check with your vet about feeding plans, and talk to us about the best oat for your system.
My paddock is a bit acidic with some gravel. Will oats do okay?
Oats are generally considered among the more acid-tolerant cereals, which is why they are widely grown on WA's acidic sands and gravels. Liming to lift pH still pays off. We recommend a soil test first, then talk to us about whether Bannister Oats or our acid-tolerant Saia Oats better suits the paddock.
What can I sow with oats to boost protein for sheep?
We recommend adding a legume such as our Common Vetch or Coogee Field Peas to an oat crop. The legume lifts protein and adds nitrogen to the soil, and the oats provide bulk and structure. Bannister Oats can be sown in a mix, with the cereal rate reduced. Our Custom Mix service can tailor the blend.
I'm worried about nitrate poisoning in cattle on green oats. What should I watch for?
Young oat crops, including Bannister, can accumulate nitrate, especially after frost, hail, drought or slow growth. Introduce hungry cattle gradually, give them hay first, and avoid putting stock onto stressed crops. If you are unsure, have the forage tested. Tell us about your plans and we can suggest a safer grazing approach.
Bannister Oats vs Saia Oats: what's the difference?
Bannister Oats is a milling-type oat grown mainly for grain and hay. Saia Oats is a tall, black-seeded, fine-stemmed grazing oat known for acid soil tolerance and cover crop use. Choose Bannister if grain or hay is the goal, and Saia for grazing and soil cover. We can help you decide.
Which cereal gives a good break crop and ground cover before sowing a perennial pasture?
An oat crop is a common pioneer or break crop before renovating to perennial pasture, because it suppresses weeds and protects the soil. For that job we generally recommend Saia Oats, and Bannister Oats suits growers who also want grain or hay. Follow with our Southern Perennial Pasture Mix the next season.
