What oats can I sow for winter grazing that will take a few grazes?
We recommend Ezigraze Forage Oats, a grazing oat for winter feed. Forage oats like this are sown in autumn and can usually be grazed more than once if you leave enough stubble for regrowth. Oats suit a wide range of WA soils and establish readily. Talk to us about the sowing rate for your district.
When can I first graze Ezigraze oats?
We suggest grazing Ezigraze Forage Oats once plants are well anchored and pass the pluck test, which means stock can't pull them out of the ground. That is usually several weeks after establishment, depending on conditions. Graze to leave a reasonable stubble height so the plants can recover quickly for the next grazing.
Need to fill the autumn feed gap after a false break, what cereal should I sow?
A forage oat such as our Ezigraze Forage Oats is a reliable option to fill the autumn and early winter gap. Oats establish quickly after good rain and give early bulk. Mixing in a legume such as our vetch or field peas improves feed quality. If the break falters, resow promptly once reliable moisture returns.
Can I cut forage oats for hay or silage after grazing them?
Yes, forage oats such as our Ezigraze are commonly grazed early and then locked up for hay or silage. Close the paddock early enough for the crop to bulk up. Cut at the right growth stage to balance yield and quality, since quality drops as the plants mature. Our Silahay Mix is another option built for fodder.
What should I sow with oats to get better quality winter feed?
We suggest adding a legume such as our Common, Benatas or Popany Vetch, or our Coogee Field Peas, to Ezigraze Forage Oats. The legume lifts protein and fixes nitrogen. Italian ryegrass such as our Amass can extend the feed into spring. Reduce the oat rate when sowing a mix so the cereal doesn't smother the companions.
Are there any stock health issues grazing lush oats?
Lush oats such as our Ezigraze Forage Oats are good feed, but there are some well-known risks. Nitrate can build up in heavily fertilised or stressed crops, and grass tetany can occur in cattle on lush cereal feed. Introduce stock gradually, provide roughage, and talk to your vet about mineral supplements, especially for lactating cows.
Will Ezigraze oats handle acid soils in the wheatbelt?
Oats are generally reasonably tolerant of acidic soils, so Ezigraze Forage Oats can suit many wheatbelt paddocks. Very acidic soils with high aluminium are still a challenge. On those, we suggest our Cereal Ryecorn, which tolerates high aluminium and poor fertility better. A soil test will help you decide whether lime is needed.
Our paddocks get a bit wet over winter, will a forage cereal cope?
Oats such as our Ezigraze Forage Oats cope with some winter wetness, but long waterlogging will reduce growth. For ground that stays wet, raised or better-drained areas give the best results. Our Cereal Ryecorn also tolerates limited waterlogging. For badly waterlogged or salty ground, talk to us about perennial options such as Puccinellia or Tall Wheat Grass.
Ezigraze vs Bannister or Saia oats, which is best for grazing?
Ezigraze Forage Oats are sold as a grazing oat, while Saia is a well-known leafy forage oat, and Bannister is often grown for both hay and grain. The right choice depends on whether you want multiple grazings, a hay cut or grain. Tell us your plan and district and we will help you choose.
How do I keep a forage oat crop regrowing after each grazing?
With Ezigraze Forage Oats, avoid grazing too low, give the crop time to recover between grazings, and keep up nutrition. Nitrogen after grazing helps regrowth. Rotational grazing works better than set stocking for multiple grazings. Remove stock once the crop starts to run up to head if you want further regrowth.
