Also, if something happened to the wheat crop planted last fall then spring cereals can be a fill-in crop. Which spring cereal crop works for Kansas farmers depends on the region and purpose, Shroyer said. Spring wheat is not well adapted to Kansas climate and hot weather but can produce adequate results in the northern part of the state or with a cool spring. Also, spring wheat is wheat of a different class, which can lead to marketing problems. Barley does best in northern or northwest Kansas and is a better silage than hay.
Oats can work as hay or silage and has the flexibility to flourish across the state.
Shroyer said planting the cereals for forage improves the likelihood of success. I am more confident in obtaining a forage crop than grain. Also, grain prices for oats tend to be not so great. If you need silage, spring cereals are definitely cost effective for that purpose. Spring oats, barley and wheat should be planted late February to early March for optimum results, said Shroyer.