Harvest timing in small grains isn’t just a detail – it’s the difference between profit and loss. New University of Idaho research shows how barley and oats stack up when cut at boot, heading/milk or soft-dough stage.

As water resources become increasingly scarce in southern Idaho, producers are looking for forage options that make the most of limited irrigation. One strategy gaining traction is planting fall-seeded annual cereals for forage.

The Idaho Barley Commission Endowed Barley Agronomy program has been researching sustainable barley and wheat production strategies, focusing on nutrient management practices for improved yield, quality, and soil and water health in both irrigated and dryland settings.