The way to get good quality wild oat hay is to cut early, just as the head is emerging from the boot, when the protein content is highest. Never allow the wild oat plant an opportunity to mature and shatter seed. It is possible to have up to 800 seeds produced by a single plant. The number of seeds per plant is much less in thick stands, but 20 bushels per acre of shattered seed is not uncommon. Failure to control wild oats now will mean paying the price later.
Farmers can help themselves by making a good quality hay and controlling wild oats at the same time.
Reports have already been made of hail in a number of areas of the state. Total stand reduction, leaf loss, stem injury, weed control, and calendar date are factors to consider when making this decision. If the growing point is not damaged, corn will recover and perform better than replanted corn. Split the stalk down the center and inspect the growing point. If normal, it will appear white in color and firm in texture.